Zion sits out vs. Clippers after inconclusive test

Zion Williamson did not play in Wednesday night’s 111-106 loss to the LA Clippers because of the league’s health and safety protocols, the New Orleans Pelicans announced Wednesday afternoon.

It is unclear whether Williamson will miss more than one game.

“He had inconclusive [COVID-19 test] results and the timing became a factor,” coach Stan Van Gundy said. “He’s not with us here at the game tonight. He’s back in his hotel room. We’ll know more as further results come back.”

The Pelicans traveled to Los Angeles on Tuesday after they were supposed to start a seven-game, 13-day road trip in Dallas on Monday. However, that game was postponed because of positive COVID-19 cases and contact tracing with the Mavericks.

The Pelicans also were without Lonzo Ball (bilateral knee tendinopathy) and Eric Bledsoe (right eye irritation) on Wednesday.

Williamson is averaging 21.9 points on 55.7% shooting and 8.1 rebounds in nine games. This was the first game he missed this season.