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MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 22: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on October 22, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
It’s been a difficult year for Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans.
Despite Williamson finding some more luck than usual in the health department, the star forward has not been able to lead the Pelicans down a competitive path in 2025-2026.
As the season reaches the final stretch, Williamson is beginning to deal with ankle-related concerns. Heading into the Pelicans’ matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 3, the Pelicans announced that Williamson is questionable for the outing. He was diagnosed with a sprain, officially.
Zion Williamson Could Miss Another Game Against The Lakers
GettyZion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans hoped to be competitive in the Western Conference this season. Through more than half of the season, the Pelicans have struggled to live up to their expectations.
The Pelicans paid a visit to the Los Angeles Clippers on March 1.
Williamson was ruled out for the night, and the Pelicans suffered a beatdown. New Orleans snapped its four-game winning streak with a 137-117 loss.
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Now, the Pelicans could potentially face a Lakers team that is putting together its own winning streak. Heading into the game, the Lakers hold a 36-24 record. They place sixth in the Western Conference.
Although the Pelicans won’t place an official status beyond questioning Williamson’s availability against the Lakers, the star forward recently said in an ESPN interview that he was bracing for a return.
“I expect to be back tomorrow against the Lakers,” he told ESPN.
Where Zion Williamson And The Pelicans Stand
GettyThe Pelicans listed the star forward Zion Williamson as questionable on the injury report against the Los Angeles Lakers due to an ankle injury.
The Pelicans hoped that Williamson and a revamped roster could do wonders and crack the playoffs. Instead, they are sitting 13th in the West with a 19-43 record.
Only the Utah Jazz and the Sacramento Kings have it worse right now.
The 25-year-old Williamson has yet to make a playoff run in his previous five years of playing in the NBA. The 2026 playoffs are going to be another run where Williamson is likely to watch from a distance.
On a positive note, Williamson has surpassed his games played by 15 outings compared to last season. In 45 games, Williamson has been averaging 29.5 minutes of playing time.
Throughout the year, Williamson has averaged 21.5 points per game, while shooting 58% from the field and hitting on 25% of his attempts from beyond the arc.
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Beyond his scoring, Williamson is coming down with 5.8 rebounds per game, while producing 3.5 assists, and 1.1 steals per game.
The Pelicans and the Lakers are slated for a 10:30 PM ET tip on Tuesday. All signs are pointing to Williamson being a game-time decision for the matchup.