Pelicans’ Williamson projects return before mid-season

METAIRIE, LA. » Zion Williamson says he expects his absence from the New Orleans Pelicans because of his knee injury to be less than half of the regular season but is offering no specific timetable for a return.

“It’s going very well, day by day, getting better,” the No. 1 overall pick said after teammates finished practice Thursday. “No real timetable. When I’m ready, I’ll come back.”

When the 6-foot-6, 285-pound Williamson had surgery on his torn right lateral meniscus Oct. 21, the Pelicans announced that his recovery was expected to last six to eight weeks.

The Pelicans have dropped six of their first seven games this season. But Williamson said he is not concerned about pressure to rush back to try to help his team out of its tail spin.

“It’s not even a conversation I have to have with them about it. It’s a long season. This isn’t like college or something where it’s 30 games. It’s 82 games so I don’t really see a need to rush back,” Williamson said. “When they feel like I’m back to myself, they’ll let me play — simple as that.”

NBA fines Clippers $50K

LOS ANGELES » The NBA has fined the Los Angeles Clippers $50,000 for statements made by coach Doc Rivers and others that were “inconsistent with (Kawhi) Leonard’s health status.”

Leonard sat out the Clippers’ 129124 home loss to the Milwaukee Bucks Wednesday night.

Leonard is averaging career highs in points (29.3), rebounds (7.3), assists (5.7), steals (2.3) and blocks (1.0).

Griffin cleared to return

DETROIT » Blake Griffin has been cleared by the Detroit Pistons’ medical staff for basketball-related activities, and the team says his progress will be monitored daily.

Griffin hasn’t played at all this season because of hamstring and knee issues. The Pistons are 4-5 without him.