Pelicans shut down Zion Williamson for season finale due to knee injury

As expected, the New Orleans Pelicans will sit rookie star Zion Williamson for Thursday's season finale versus the Orlando Magic, as the 20-year-old continues to recover from right knee soreness.

Williamson, along with teammates Brandon Ingram (right knee soreness) and Jrue Holiday (right elbow soreness), missed Tuesday's game against the Sacramento Kings, and ESPN's Andrew Lopez has confirmed that the New Orleans trio and also Josh Hart (right knee soreness) will sit Thursday before the Pelicans depart the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex bubble site. 

With the Pelicans eliminated from postseason contention, coach Alvin Gentry has no reason to risk any contributors who aren't 100 percent.

Williamson underwent surgery on his right knee to repair a torn meniscus last October and didn't make his official pro debut until Jan. 22 against the San Antonio Spurs. In 24 appearances, the first selection of the 2019 NBA Draft averaged 22.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists.