Zion Williamson will miss the finale of his rookie season. Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

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

By Zac Wassink | Last updated Aug 12, 2020 6:25 PM ET

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.

Zac Wassink

Zac Wassink is a longtime sports news writer and PFWA member who began his career in 2006 and has had his work featured on Yardbarker, MSN, Yahoo Sports and Bleacher Report. He is also a football and futbol aficionado who is probably yelling about Tottenham Hotspur at the moment and who chanted for Matt Harvey to start the ninth inning of Game 5 of the 2015 World Series at Citi Field. You can find him on X at @ZacWassink

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