Zion Williamson won't be suiting up for the New Orleans Pelicans' matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday ... an announcement that came just a few hours after his pregnant girlfriend posted a picture from a hospital bed.
The 23-year-old former No. 1 overall pick was officially listed as "out" for the road contest for "personal reasons" ... and his partner's recent social media activity might explain what exactly sparked his absence.
Zion and his lady, Ahkeema, announced back in June they were having a baby girl with a lavish gender reveal party ... and she recently stated she was 38 weeks along in her pregnancy.
So, there's a chance Williamson's first child could be here soon -- if not already -- and naturally, he'd want to be around his girl for the monumental moment in his life.
Of course, Zion was over the moon when he first went public with his upcoming fatherhood ... even sending his future kid a special message.
"My baby, you’re going to see this at some point," Williamson said in a touching vid. "I don’t know what the future holds, but mommy and daddy love you."
"If you don’t know nothin' else in this world, know that mommy and daddy love you -- for life."
Zion is currently averaging 21.8 points, 7 rebounds and 4.7 assists through six games this season ... but his teammates will have to try to get the win without him against the Wolves.