The NBA is getting ready to restart its season on Thursday, July 30th with all teams already down in the ‘bubble’ in Orlando, Florida. Things there seem to be progressing as good as possible given the pandemic, but issues are still arising.
The latest news come from the New Orleans Pelicans. Star rookie Zion Williamson has had to leave the team immediately due to a medical situation in his family. The team has a 28-36 record and is tied-for-10th in the Western Conference, currently outside the playoff picture.
Here’s a quote from David Griffin, the Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations (source ESPN).
“We fully support Zion’s decision to leave the NBA campus to be with his family. Out of respect for the Williamson family, we will have no further comment at this time.”
This situation would affect the team in normal times but is far more complex now. That’s because after he returns to Florida, Zion will be forced to quarantine for an unknown length of time (likely 4-10 days). That puts his status in major doubt for the New Orleans’ opener against Utah on July 30th.
The league purposely gave the Pelicans an opening day game (Lakers vs. Clippers is the other) due to Zion’s marketing draw.
Odds against Utah are currently off the board
The Pelicans still have their NBA title odds up at Winning Poker Network sportsbooks. They are at +9500, which is a very nice payout. However, it is hard to get too excited about them right now due to the Zion situation.
The odds for the game against Utah are currently off the board at the Winning Poker Network. There is no word at this time when new odds will be posted.
