NEW ORLEANS — Zion Williamson has experienced a “regression” in his surgically repaired right foot, further delaying the Pelicans star forward’s long-awaited return to the court.

“After experiencing persistent soreness in his right foot, Zion Williamson underwent medical imaging which showed a regression in the bone healing of his fifth metatarsal,” the Pelicans said in a statement released Saturday after the team practiced.m“As a result, the volume and intensity of his training will be reduced for an extended period to help allow for further bone healing.”

This marks the second setback since Williamson was cleared in late November to participate in five-on-five practices at full speed. When he was scheduled to take part in his first full practice of the season on Dec. 2, the team announced that it wanted him to rest instead because of renewed foot soreness.

At that time, first-year head coach Willie Green outlined why the club was being cautious and patient with Williamson’s recovery, even as the Pelicans struggled to win without him in the lineup.

“It’s more important to be patient,” Green said. “We’re talking about somebody’s career. Any time you’re dealing with that aspect of professional sports, that is important. That’s how we’re looking at this.”

The Pelicans have started this season 8-20 without Williamson. But since beginning 2-14, New Orleans has gone 6-6 in its past 12 contests. The Pelicans next play Sunday night in San Antonio

Williamson played in just 24 games as a rookie because of a preseason right knee injury (lateral meniscus). In his second season, he played in 61 of 72 games, averaging 27 points per game.

He hurt his foot last summer while performing basketball drills with his stepfather, with whom he has entrusted his offseason training. The Pelicans revealed the injury on the first day of training camp in September, saying they hoped he’d be ready to play by the regular-season opener on Oct. 20. Williamson agreed with that timeline, which has since proved overly optimistic by at least two months.

HAWKS: Former Atlanta Hawks owner Michael Gearon Sr., whose love for the team was so great that he insisted he be paid only $1 annually when he served as an executive, has died, the team announced. He was 87.

Michael Gearon Jr. told The Associated Press his father died on Nov. 22 from a brain herniation while surrounded by family in his Atlanta home.

SATURDAY’S GAMES

76ERS 102, WARRIORS 93: Joel Embiid had 26 points and nine rebounds and Philadelphia delayed Stephen Curry’s bid to break Ray Allen’s career 3-point record in a victory over visiting Golden State.

Curry scored 18 points and shot 3 of 14 from 3-point range to move within six of matching Allen’s record. Curry’s next shot at the record is Monday night at Indiana. He needed nine 3s against the Sixers to tie Allen’s mark of 2,973 regular-season 3s from 1996-2014.

Golden State dropped to 21-5, falling a half-game behind Phoenix for the NBA lead.

CLIPPERS 106, MAGIC 104: Reggie Jackson hit a step-back jumper with 2.2 seconds remaining to give Los Angeles a victory over visiting Orlando.

Jackson – who had nine of his 25 points in the fourth quarter – hit a 20-footer following a timeout after Orlando tied it at 104 on Cole Anthony’s 3-pointer with 23.6 seconds left.

The Clippers held on for their straight victory when Terrence Ross missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer.

Luke Kennard had a season-high 23 points and seven 3-pointers for Los Angeles. Terance Mann added 16 points.

The Clippers were missing Paul George for the second straight game due to a right elbow contusion.

Anthony led the Magic with 23 points, including five 3-pointers and Ross came off the bench to add 22 points. Orlando has dropped four straight and 14 of its last 16.

JAZZ 123, WIZARDS 98: Donovan Mitchell scored 28 points, Rudy Gobert had 20 points and 11 rebounds and Utah extended its winning streak to seven games with a victory in Washington.

Hassan Whiteside added 18 points and 13 rebounds off the bench as the Jazz completed a perfect four-game East Coast trip.

Mitchell shot 4 for 9 from long distance, while Gobert and Whiteside combined to go 17 of 19 from the floor as Utah took control in the third quarter after trailing by a point at halftime.

HEAT 118, BULLS 92: Duncan Robinson scored a season high-26 points and Miami won at home against short-handed Chicago.

The Bulls lost two additional players to health and safety protocols hours before the game. Guards Ayo Dosunmu and recently signed Stanley Johnson were ruled out, joining leading scorer DeMar DeRozan as well as Matt Thomas, Coby White, Javonte Green and Derrick Jones Jr., who are sidelined because of protocols.

Zach LaVine scored 31 points for Chicago.

GRIZZLIES 113, ROCKETS 106: Dillon Brooks scored 25 points, Desmond Bane added 19 points and Memphis held on for a win at home.

Christian Wood had 22 points and nine rebounds for Houston. Armoni Brooks provided a spark off the Houston bench, scoring 18 points.

CAVALIERS 117, KINGS 103: Rookie Evan Mobley had 15 points and a season-high 15 rebounds and Cleveland matched its team record with 81 first-half points in a victory over visiting Sacramento.

NUGGETS 127, SPURS 112: Nikola Jokic had 35 points, 17 rebounds and eight assists and visiting Denver avenged a loss to San Antonio just two nights earlier.

The Nuggets were 20 for 43 on 3-pointers, matching their season high for made 3s.

 

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