The hype that surrounded #1 pick Zion Williamson heading into the 2019-20 NBA season was weakened somewhat by the announcement that the lauded Duke prospect would miss nearly half of his rookie season after undergoing knee surgery on October 21st. As such, though the Portland Trail Blazers have played the New Orleans Pelicans twice this season, Tuesday at Smoothie King Center was the first time the Blazers have matched up with the 6’6” prodigy.
The Blazers entered Tuesday’s matchup on the first half of a quick back-to-back road trip which will see them face the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night.