Pelicans' Zion Williamson (conditioning) out vs. Pacers

Zion Williamson's return to the New Orleans Pelicans from the NBA's health and safety protocol has been delayed. On Sunday, the team announced Williamson had cleared the protocol and would be available Monday against the visiting Indiana Pacers. The Pelicans' injury report submitted Monday morning, however, listed him as doubtful, citing "return to competition reconditioning." Williamson, 22, missed the past two games, both won by the Pelicans. On the season, the forward is averaging 25.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists in 25 games. The Pelicans will be short-handed against the Pacers. Dyson Daniels (non-COVID illness) and Larry Nance Jr. (right Achilles soreness) are questionable. Brandon Ingram (toe), E.J. Liddell (knee) and Dereon Seabron (G League two-way) and Herb Jones (health and safety protocol) are listed as out. --Field Level Media