PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) 鈥� New Orleans forward Zion Williamson was in the lineup on Friday night against the Portland Trail Blazers after missing the Pelicans' opener.
Williamson, who averaged 22.9 points per game last season, was scratched from the team's game Wednesday night because of an unspecified illness.
鈥淚t's huge to get Z back,鈥� Pelicans coach Willie Green said before facing the Blazers. 鈥淗e's excited. Our group is excited to get on the floor tonight and get after it.鈥�
Green said Williamson is on a minutes restriction.
鈥淚t won't be full throttle, but we'll see how he feels once he gets on the floor,鈥� Green said.
The 6-foot-6 Williamson, the first overall selection out of Duke in the 2019 NBA Draft, played in a career-high 70 games last season. Because of injuries, he's missed 207 career games.
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AP NBA:
Anne M. Peterson, The Associated Press
