Zion Williamson Clears Quarantine Before Opening Game Vs. Jazz

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Zion Williamson has been cleared to return to action against the Utah Jazz when the season resumes on July 30. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Williamson cleared quarantine and is available to return to practice for the Pelicans.

“Pelicans F Zion Williamson has cleared quarantine and will return to practice with the team in Orlando this evening, sources tell ESPN,” Wojnarowski tweeted.

Williamson was cleared after leaving the NBA’s Orlando campus in mid-July to address a family matter.

Pelicans F Zion Williamson has cleared quarantine and will return to practice with the team in Orlando this evening, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 28, 2020

Having Williamson return to practice is a good sign for the Pelicans as they have two days to prepare for their season reopener against the Jazz. The superstar rookie didn’t appear in any of the team’s three Orlando scrimmages and will need time to reacclimate to the basketball floor.

Will Williamson Play Against The Jazz?

Though Williamson has cleared quarantine for the Pelicans, there is no guarantee that he forward will return to action against the Jazz.

Like the rest of the NBA, the rookie big man has been away from competitive basketball since mid-March when the season was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic. If Williamson were to return against the Jazz, he would have had just two practices and one shootaround to readjust to the rigors of an NBA game.

According to ESPN’s Andrew Lopez, the Pelicans may exercise patience with their young star.

“While the NBA hasn’t announced how long Williamson’s quarantine period, his status for the 7/30 opener could be up in the air even if he is cleared, per a source,” Lopez tweeted. “Team will be cautious since he’s been away for 8 days and has another (potential) 4 days to wait before joining team.”

While the NBA hasn't announced how long Williamson's quarantine period, his status for the 7/30 opener could be up in the air even if he is cleared, per a source. Team will be cautious since he's been away for 8 days and has another (potential) 4 days to wait before joining team. https://t.co/st5tMWx2ot

— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) July 25, 2020

Williamson has yet to face the Jazz in a regular-season game this year. The forward missed the first 44 games of the season with a torn meniscus. However, the rookie has been remarkably productive when he has been on the floor.

Williamson is averaging 23.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game in 19 appearances for the Pelicans this season.

The Jazz and Pelicans tip-off Thursday at 4:30 pm MT. The game will be broadcast on TNT and AT&T SportsNet.