New Orleans Pelicans star forward Zion Williamson is ruled out for the season opener against the Chicago Bulls due to an illness. NBA insider Chris Haynes shared the news via Twitter/X. Williamson was not present at Wednesday's morning shootaround.

With tip-off closing in, the Pelicans had to make a final decision on Williamson's status, and it's one fans won't like. New Orleans ended up ruling Zion out for their season-opener against the Bulls due to his illness, meaning that the Pels are going to be immediately shorthanded as they begin their new campaign.

Pelicans power forward Zion Williamson has been scratched from the lineup for the club’s regular season opener against the Chicago Bulls.