Zion Williamson out due to illness vs. Bulls on October 24

In the United States, the New Orleans Pelicans faced a setback as they prepared for their regular season opener against the Chicago Bulls. Power forward Zion Williamson was ruled out due to illness, missing the game on Wednesday night. Williamson, who averaged 22.9 points per game last season, had been a key player for the team, significantly impacting their offensive play. Coach Willie Green informed the media that they remain hopeful Williamson can return when the team embarks on a four-game West Coast trip starting in Portland on Friday. The 6-foot-6 player, who was the first overall draft pick in 2019 from Duke, has experienced a challenging career marred by injuries. His absence for the opener marked the 207th missed regular season game of his career, highlighting a worrying trend for the Pelicans as they rely on his scoring ability. In his tenure, Williamson has participated in 184 NBA games and holds an impressive average of 24.7 points per game, making his effectiveness crucial for the Pelicans' success moving forward. Though his illness prevents him from participating in the opener, the team remains optimistic about his recovery and quick return to the court.