Zion Williamson Out With Ankle Injury, Pelicans Streak Ends

Zion Williamson will miss Sunday’s game against the Clippers with a right ankle injury, ending a 35-game streak. He exited Saturday’s loss in Utah after 11 minutes. The 25-year-old was averaging 21.9 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.5 assists and has a long injury history, so he’ll be sidelined for at least one game — a blow to a Pelicans team that has been 5-2 in its last seven. Merlin watches the needle on Zion’s durability. When healthy he transforms New Orleans with rare efficiency and power, but past foot, hamstring and back setbacks have limited his arc. Expect the staff to protect him now and in the offseason, aiming to preserve the peak version the franchise still needs.