NBA Injury Report: Zion Williamson out, Gordon Hayward doubtful and more updates on Bol Bol and Darius Garland | January 4, 2023

One of the NBA’s biggest superstars will not be playing tonight as Zion Williamson has been ruled out by the New Orleans Pelicans. “Zanos” suffered a right hamstring strain in the Pelicans’ 120-111 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday.

Before he exited the fourth quarter, Williamson made 10 of 12 field goal attempts to finish with a team-high 26 points. He added six rebounds and seven assists to his stats. After the game, Philly coach Doc Rivers described defending the power forward as “guarding a fast Shaq.”

The former NBA All-Star reportedly had an MRI earlier and is expected to miss at least three weeks. Williamson is one of the league’s premiere talents but has been hampered by an assortment of injuries.

The hamstring injury will be the latest to sideline the former Duke superstar for at least a week of action.

New Orleans are in a tough spot as they are still waiting for the return of another former NBA All-Star, Brandon Ingram. He has been out for more than a month due to a contusion to his left great toe. Forward Larry Nance Jr., has also been ruled out tonight.

Naji Marshall, Garrett Temple and Jaxson Hayes should see more playing time due to the Pelicans’ injury-riddled roster.

Meanwhile, Charlotte Hornets forward Hayward Gordon exited the game against the LA Lakers last Monday due to a left hamstring injury. He didn’t return to finish the game and has been officially listed by the Hornets as doubtful.

Charlotte could be without the former NBA All-Star when they host Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies tonight. He has played only 21 of the Hornets’ 38 games this season and could add one more to his tally.

The Hornets are just 3-7 in their last 10 games and own a 10-28 overall win-loss slate, which is the second-worst in the league. Charlotte might also be playing the tanking game and could sideline Hayward for yet another game.

---

Bol Bol: Health and safety protocols since January 2, 2023

Bol Bol has been placed under the NBA's health and safety protocols.

One of the NBA’s most exciting prospects was placed under the league’s health and safety protocols last Tuesday. Bol Bol will not be available for the Orlando Magic in the next couple of games. The lanky forward/center will not be around when Orlando hosts the OKC Thunder tonight.

The four-year big man is having a breakout campaign this season. He has career-best numbers across different categories. Bol is averaging 12.0 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game.

Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley has played him in all of the Magic’s 37 games and started him in 32 of them. He grabbed the starting center role from Wendell Carter Jr. this year.

Carter Jr., Mo Bamba and the 2022 NBA Draft’s No. 1 pick, Paolo Banchero, should see their minutes go up without Bol Bol.

---

Darius Garland: Right thumb sprain; Injured since December 29, 2022

Darius Garland is not expected to play tonight for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Darius Garland of the Cleveland Cavaliers could miss a third consecutive game for his team. He has been ruled doubtful but is expected to be sidelined for tonight’s game against the Phoenix Suns.

The NBA All-Star guard injured his thumb last Dec. 29 in the Cavs’ 135-126 loss to the Indiana Pacers. He missed back-to-back games against the Chicago Bulls and was on the bench cheering for the team when Donovan Mitchell exploded for 71 points last Monday.

He could suit up for the Cavaliers on Jan. 7 when Cleveland visit the Denver Nuggets.