Zion Williamson Clears Health Protocols; Will Be Available for Pelicans vs. Pacers

New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson will be available for Monday's game against the Indiana Pacers.

New Orleans announced Sunday that he cleared health and safety protocols.

The 6'6" forward entered the health and safety protocols on Wednesday. Before that, he was sidelined for three games with a right foot contusion.

The 2022-23 season has otherwise gone according to plan for Williamson after he missed all of last year. Through 25 games, he's averaging 25.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists. He's also shooting 60.3 percent overall and 33.3 percent from three-point range.

It's exactly what the Pelicans wanted to see after they agreed to a five-year, $194.3 million extension with the 2020-21 All-Star.

For the foreseeable future, a level of cautious optimism will surround Williamson's health, though. That's why his extension reportedly includes incentives based on his level of conditioning.

You expect New Orleans to remain proactive when it comes to managing Williamson's workload and any minor injuries he picks up.

The Pels' hopes of improving upon a first-round trip to the 2022 playoffs will hinge largely on the health and performance of the 22-year-old. If he misses a game or two in the regular season, then it's a price you're willing to pay to ensure he's firing on all cylinders when the postseason rolls around.