The Washington Wizards are preparing to face the New Orleans Pelicans tonight, but they will be without key player Bilal Coulibaly, who is sidelined due to a non-Covid illness. This adds to the list of absences, which already includes Saddiq Bey and Marvin Bagley III, both out with knee injuries.

Coulibaly, who has been making strides in his second season, played just under nine minutes in the last game against the Chicago Bulls before being forced to exit. Averaging 12.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, his development has been crucial for the Wizards. The team hopes this illness will not keep him out for an extended period as they look to maintain their momentum against the Pelicans.