Yves Missi Sidelined After Zion Williamson Collision Turns Pelicans Center Into a Workplace Hazard

Yves Missi is officially out for Wednesday with a knee injury, which is exactly what happens when a flying Zion Williamson crash-lands on your leg.

Underdog NBA confirmed the center's status, pausing what was shaping up to be a massive breakout week for the New Orleans Pelicans big man.

"Underdog NBA: 'Yves Missi (knee) listed out for Wednesday.'"

Missi was looking like an absolute steal to start the year. He opened the season dropping 13 points, 15 boards, and three blocks against the Indiana Pacers, and recently logged a ridiculous 40-minute shift against the Orlando Magic where he put up 18 points and 13 rebounds. For context, going from averaging under six points a game last year to looking like prime Hakeem Olajuwon for a week is the exact kind of leap that makes fantasy managers think they are basketball savants.

Then Friday against the Utah Jazz happened. Zion got his shot blocked by Jaxson Hayes and tumbled directly into Missi's left leg. Getting rolled up on by a 280-pound flying refrigerator is not a basketball play, it is a workplace hazard. You do not just walk that off with some ice and a stretch band.

With Missi sidelined, the Pelicans' interior rotation is suddenly looking very thin for Wednesday's slate. Bettors looking at New Orleans rebounding props or opponent points in the paint will need to adjust heavily until we get a real recovery timeline. Right now, the only sure bet is that Missi will be watching from the bench while his knee remembers what it feels like to survive a Zion collision.