Williamson missed the Pelicans preseason finale as a result of a 'right knee injury', now confirmed as a torn meniscus.

The No.1 overall pick underwent surgery on Monday, adding doubt to the New Orleans early prediction of a playoff spot. 

The level of attention Williamson has received this NBA season already is only comparable to LeBron's rookie year. But the Pelicans' power forward will be absent on court for their regular-season opener in Toronto this evening against defending champs, the Raptors.  

Although a brutal blow, Williamson's teammates anticipated such news and are confident they'll hold it together without him. 

Point Guard Lonzo Ball said: "We just have to hold the fort down until he gets back. He's still on the team; it's not like he's missing the whole season. He's going to be out a couple of games, but he'll be back strong."

With the much-awaited appearance pushed back to earliest mid-December, the Pelicans and New Orleans have to sit tight until they can welcome their star rookie back on the court.