Pelicans Announce Zion Williamson News After Leaving Pistons Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Jan 21, 2026 10:01 PM ET

The New Orleans Pelicans’ season has been a disaster thus far, as the team entered Wednesday’s matchup with the Detroit Pistons sitting in last place in the Western Conference.

With the NBA trade deadline approaching, almost every player on the roster appears available for trade — possibly even power forward Zion Williamson.

The 25-year-old has struggled to stay on the floor throughout his tenure in New Orleans, and this year has been no different. Regardless, when healthy, Williamson remains one of the league’s most impactful players.

Through 29 appearances this season, he has averaged 22.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.2 steals while shooting 58.5% from the field and 71.0% from the free-throw line. His effectiveness stems from his rare combination of explosive athleticism and efficient finishing around the rim, which consistently forces defenses to collapse.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1)Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

During Wednesday’s game against Detroit, however, Williamson got off to a disappointing start, collecting just four points and four rebounds in his first 15 minutes of action.

Ahead of tip-off, he had been listed as questionable with an illness, and it was evident that his condition was limiting his performance.

Midway through the third quarter, Williamson unexpectedly headed back to the locker room after being subbed out for Karlo Matkovic, immediately raising concern.

Moments later, the Pelicans announced that Williamson had been ruled out for the remainder of the game due to illness.

Zion Williamson (illness) will not return to tonight’s game vs. Detroit
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) January 22, 2026

It was another reminder of how quickly his availability can shift, a recurring theme throughout his career. Few players in the league can match his blend of explosiveness and efficiency, and when he is on the floor, the Pelicans’ identity revolves around his ability to dominate the paint.

Yet the franchise has repeatedly been forced to recalibrate around his absences, leaning on younger wings and role players to fill the void. That dynamic has fueled speculation about whether New Orleans can truly build a sustainable contender with Williamson as the centerpiece.

The conversation is not simply about his production, but about durability and fit in a league increasingly defined by spacing and perimeter play.

While Williamson remains a matchup nightmare, the Pelicans must weigh his long-term health against the trajectory of their roster. And as Wednesday’s illness reminded everyone, even short-term setbacks continue to cloud the picture for a player whose availability defines the team’s success.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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