Here is why the Pelicans have suspended Zion Williamson for Friday night's contest vs. the 76ers in Philadelphia.

The New Orleans Pelicans will be without five players against the Dallas Mavericks Wednesday night. Will Zion Williamson play?

Two-time All-Star New Orleans Pelicans power forward Zion Williams has been suspended by his own team for a game due to "a violation of team policies," sources inform ESPN's Shams Charania. It's a major blow for New Orleans' chances in their next game Friday night.

Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) shoots against New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones ...

Zion Williamson is back. The Pelicans announced that Williamson will return to the court on Tuesday for New Orleans' game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Williamson has missed the last 27 games with a hamstring strain. Williamson has played in just six of the Pelicans' 36 games this season.

The Pelicans suspended Williamson for one game Friday for a violation of team policies.

Anthony Edwards scored 32 points and the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves spoiled Zion Williamson's return by defeating ... Jose Alvarado added 13 points and Herbert Jones 10 for New Orleans. Williamson scored four points and Murray added three as New ...

The New Orleans Pelicans have suspended power forward Zion Williamson for their game against Philadelphia for a violation of team policies.

(AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson reacts to an ... without forward and top defensive player Herb Jones. Jones has a posterior labrum tear in his right shoulder ...

Zion Williamson made his return to the court ... Williamson got on the board early with a putback of a missed Herbert Jones layup. His second bucket was one for the highlight reel.

BOTTOM LINE: Collin Sexton and the Utah Jazz take on Yves Missi and the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday. The Pelicans are 4-19 against Western Conference opponents. New Orleans has a 3-20 record in games decided by 10 or more points. The Jazz are 3-22 against Western Conference opponents. Utah has a 5-15 record in games decided by 10 points or more.

New Orleans plays Utah in a matchup of Western Conference teams. The teams play Friday for the first time this season.