New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson left Saturday night's 115-105 victory over the Utah Jazz in the second quarter with an apparent right ankle injury. Interim coach James Borrego said Williamson 'tweaked the ankle' and would not return, though the severity remains unclear. The injury occurred during Williamson's impressive 35-game streak, the longest of his NBA career.

Williamson's durability has been a persistent concern throughout his career, having already missed 16 games this season due to various ailments. The 2019 No. 1 overall pick out of Duke has played just 258 of 543 potential regular-season games, never exceeding 25 consecutive appearances before this recent stretch. His latest absence compounds challenges for a Pelicans team already without Trey Murphy, Yves Missi, and Dejounte Murray.

This latest setback raises questions about Williamson's long-term availability as the Pelicans push for playoff positioning. The 6-foot-6 forward had been playing through a right hip adductor strain before this ankle issue, highlighting his ongoing battle with injuries. His ability to stay healthy has consistently been the biggest variable in determining his impact and the team's success.