Zion Williamson: If I could play in back-to-backs, I would. Physically, I can, but I work for the Pelicans

Williamson has averaged 24.4 points and 8.3 rebounds in his seven January games, despite being limited to 26.3 minutes per outing. He had averaged 30.1 minutes in four October contests, then 33.1 in two November tilts, before a hamstring injury sidelined him for two months and 27 straight games. Williamson has also been held out of one of the two games among all three recent back-to-backs. It’s a team decision he said he understands, as the Pelicans’ training and medical staff monitors his physical status after the lengthy layoff in November and December. “Let me make this clear to everybody out there,” a smiling Williamson said, looking directly into two cameras. “If I could play in the back-to-backs, I would. Physically? Yes, I can. But, I work for the Pelicans. They have decided that, based off the numbers (surrounding him physically during his return to game action), it’s not smart to do that right now. So if that’s what they feel, I’m rocking with them on that. But yes, if I could play in a back-to-back, I would.” -via NBA.com / January 30, 2025

For a lengthy span of time following Thursday’s practice, Zion Williamson kept building up a sweat, going through a strenuous conditioning workout that he’s continued even though he returned to playing in New Orleans games on Jan. 7. The two-time All-Star power forward’s goal is to progress even further physically, giving him the best opportunity to remain on the court and able to contribute to his team. “I’m in a good spot in terms of health,” the 24-year-old said. “Now it’s just building off that. Not easing up, even though I’m playing in games now. (I will) still get a lot more conditioning, still get a lot more work in. Just trying to take my body to the next level.” -via NBA.com / January 30, 2025

New Orleans does not have another back-to-back scheduled until a Feb. 12-13 series vs. Sacramento in the Smoothie King Center, making Friday’s home matchup vs. Boston the third game of an eight-game stretch that features at least one day of rest before every contest. Partly due to a recent illness and a snowed-out game vs. Milwaukee, Williamson’s game slate has been a bit disjointed, including an eight-day stretch between him playing Jan. 17 vs. Utah, then not again until Jan. 25 at Charlotte. He’s logged between 22:35 and 28:14 of action in the seven appearances this month. In October and November, he played at least 29 minutes five of his six games. “I feel like I could play 30 minutes a game right now,” Williamson noted. “But like I said, based off the numbers with the team, (we are) just being smart and working our way there.” -via NBA.com / January 30, 2025