Is Zion Williamson playing tonight against Memphis Grizzlies? Latest update on 2-time All-Star's status (Dec. 19)

Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans are tasked with welcoming back Ja Morant from his 25-game suspension on Tuesday night. Williamson has stayed relatively healthy this season but recently suffered a minor ankle injury. So, is Zion Williamson playing tonight against the Memphis Grizzlies?

The Pelicans have five players on their injury report for Tuesday – Kira Lewis Jr., Naji Marshall, Larry Nance Jr., Matt Ryan and Cody Zeller. Williamson is not on the report, so he will be available to play against Morant and the Grizzlies.

Lewis, Nance and Ryan are listed as out while Marshall is questionable due to a sprained right ankle. Zeller is available to play but is required to wear a protective mask to prevent further injuries to his face.

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What happened to Zion Williamson?

What happened to Zion Williamson?

Zion Williamson has been relatively healthy for the New Orleans Pelicans this season.

He has only missed half of back-to-back games due to his injury history. That was the case until the two-time NBA All-Star suffered a minor left ankle injury on Dec. 11 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The injury happened in the fourth quarter when Williamson accidentally stepped on Jaden McDaniels' foot. He played through the pain to end the game but was ruled out with a sore ankle in their next matchup against the Washington Wizards.

Williamson only ended up missing one game and has played in the Pelicans' last two games. He played 29 games in the last two seasons, so having appeared in 22 already this campaign is great progress.

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Zion Williamson's stats vs Memphis Grizzlies

Williamson has only played seven times against the Memphis Grizzlies. He's averaging 23.4 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.9 assists, where the New Orleans Pelicans are 5-2.

The Pelicans are up for a huge challenge on Tuesday despite the Grizzlies' record of 6-19. Ja Morant is set to return from his 25-game suspension and will look to salvage his team's season.

Morant and Williamson are the top two picks of the 2019 NBA draft and were once AAU teammates for the South Carolina Hornets. Both grew up in South Carolina, with Williamson going to Spartanburg Day High School and Morant representing Crestwood High School.

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