Is Zion Williamson playing tonight? Exploring the Pelicans superstar’s availability vs Warriors | 2024-25 NBA season

Zion Williamson’s status for Wednesday’s rematch against the Golden State Warriors is uncertain. The New Orleans Pelicans and the Dubs, which played each other less than 24 hours ago, haven't submitted their injury reports yet. It’s still early in the season, though, so there's a chance that the Pelicans don’t hold him out for the second night of a back-to-back set.

Williamson has missed one game for the Pelicans this season. He didn’t suit up in the season opener against the Chicago Bulls on Oct. 23 due to a non-COVID-19-related illness. “Zanos” has been healthy since then, which opens the door for a potential appearance in the rematch against the Bay Area team.

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Williamson told reporters he felt good physically during the Warriors game

When asked by a reporter how he felt during the Warriors game, Williamson responded (1:13):

"I felt pretty good. Gotta find my rhythm."

Williamson didn't commit to playing in the rematch but said about Wednesday's game:

"That's the beauty in the NBA. Sometimes you gotta see the team again the next day or two days later. Other times, you gotta wait, but you always get another shot at them."

Zion Williamson will likely be a game-time decision.

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Zion Williamson couldn’t lead the Pelicans to a win against the Steph Curry-less Warriors on Tuesday

Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans bolted out the gates at Chase Center to take a 31-14 lead after the first quarter against the Golden State Warriors.

The visitors took advantage of the absence of Steph Curry, Andrew Wiggins and De’Anthony Melton to take early control of the game. Williamson and Co., though, faded as the game progressed.

The Dubs’ bench, led by Jonathan Kuminga, Lindy Waters III and Gary Payton II, keyed the Pelicans’ turnaround, starting the second quarter. Steve Kerr’s team blasted the Pels 110-75 after the first period. After leading by 20 points, the visitors eventually lost 124-106.

Zion Williamson finished with a game-high 31 points but also committed seven turnovers, the most in the game. The Pelicans’ 23 errors doomed them, as they gave up 34 points off those miscues. Golden State coughed up the ball nine times and allowed five points behind those errors. Williamson’s four fourth-quarter turnovers doomed the Pelicans’ attempt to rally.

If “Zanos” is given the clearance to play, he must step up. He and his teammates have to do a better job of executing their offense. The Golden State Warriors defense was superb, but the Pelicans’ error-prone ways were just as crucial to their loss.