Zion clears protocol, may play Monday vs. Pacers

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson is set to return to action after being placed in the league’s health and safety protocols and missing the past two games.

Williamson was not listed on the Pelicans’ injury report for Monday night’s game against the Indiana Pacers.

New Orleans fought through Williamson’s absence last week with wins against San Antonio and Oklahoma City.

In 25 games this season, Williamson is averaging 25.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game while shooting 60.3% from the field.

The depth of the Pelicans’ roster has greatly improved in Williamson’s fourth season. The team is now 5-2 in games Williamson has missed this season. He missed two games in October after taking a nasty fall against Utah on Oct. 23 and three in November with a right foot contusion.

While the Pelicans expect to get Williamson back, they will still be without forward Brandon Ingram, who will miss his 14th consecutive game with a right big toe contusion.

Larry Nance is listed as questionable with right Achilles soreness. He has missed the past two games.