Zion Williamson Debut: Odds, Stat Projections, News For New Orleans Pelicans vs. San Antonio Spurs

NBA fans will finally get a chance to see Zion Williamson play in a meaningful game. After missing the first half of the 2019-2020 season with a knee injury, the No.1 draft pick is set to make his debut Wednesday night.

The contest between the New Orleans Pelicans and San Antonio Spurs will take center stage as one of the most highly touted prospects in recent history plays his first regular-season game. With the announcement that Williamson would suit up, ESPN decided to broadcast the contest to a national audience.

According to ESPN’s Andrew Lopez, Williamson will be in New Orleans’ starting lineup. The rookie isn’t expected to be on a minutes restriction, though the team will be careful not to keep him on the court for too long at a time.

What is reasonable to expect from Williamson in his first game? You can bet on how the Duke product will perform against the Spurs.

BetOnline has set the over/under for Williamson’s minutes played at 15.5. His projected points (9.5) and total rebounds (5.5) are both fewer than what he averaged in the preseason.

Williamson recorded 23.3 points and 6.5 rebounds per game in four exhibition contests. He shot 71.4% from the field.

Willamson is given -150 odds for his first field goal to be a dunk. His over/under for total dunks is set at 1.5 with -180 odds on the over.

The Pelicans are favored by two points at home over the Spurs. Wednesday’s total is 235.

New Orleans began the year with playoff aspirations, but they have been near the bottom of the West standings for most of the season without Williamson. The Pelicans have won 11 of their last 16 games to improve their record to 17-27, giving them the No.12 seed in the conference.

New Orleans trails the Memphis Grizzlies by 3.5 games for the final postseason berth. The Spurs have two more wins than the Pelicans.

Brandon Ingram leads the Pelicans with 25.6 points per game.