Zion Williamson Injury Update: When Will The Duke Basketball Star Return To The Court?

Duke freshman superstar Zion Williamson, who was listed Thursday as day-to-day with a Grade 1 right knee sprain, will not play Saturday at Syracuse, sources told Stadium’s Jeff Goodman.

Williamson drew national headlines Wednesday when he left the court in the opening minute against North Carolina after suffering a knee injury when his shoe was torn. The game was on national television and had former President Barack Obama in attendance.

Duke released a statement Thursday that the 18-year-old was progressing as expected. Head coach Mike Krzyzewski said Thursday he was "optimistic" about Williamson returning at 100 percent.

Williamson, projected by many to be the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, is averaging 21.6 points on 68.3 percent shooting, to go along with 8.8 rebounds, 2.2 steals and 2.2 assists.

The top-ranked Blue Devils and Orange tip off at 6:00 p.m. ET at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York.

After Saturday's game against Syracuse, the Blue Devils will be on the road Tuesday against No. 20 Virginia Tech and then return home to face Miami on March 2.