New Orleans Pelicans’ Zion Williamson out for Thursday’s game; still in the NBA All-Star Game, sources say

NEW ORLEANS – New Orleans Pelicans striker Zion Williamson was left out of the 103-93 loss on Thursday night to the Miami Heat because of irritation in his fifth right toe, but sources told ESPN that he was still must play in Sunday’s NBA All-Star Game.

Pelicans coach Stan Van Gundy said the toe irritation is something Williamson has been trying to overcome recently.

“It’s one of those things that continue to get a little worse,” said Van Gundy. “Obviously, many minutes last night and everything. Then it got worse. But it was something he had.”

Williamson will be part of Team Durant in the All-Star Game.

Williamson played 38 minutes in Wednesday night’s loss to the Chicago Bulls. Although he ended up with 28 points, he was upset that he hit just 8 out of 16 from the free throw line. After the game, he spent about 40 minutes raising extra shots on the Smoothie King Center floor.

Thursday night marked the second game Williamson lost this season, but only the first due to an injury-related problem. He lost a game on January 13 in Los Angeles against the Clippers because of an inconclusive COVID-19 test.