Author: Chandra Moulee Das
The New Orleans Pelicans received a disappointing update on Zion Williamson’s injury. The 6’6” striker has been out due to a hamstring injury since the beginning of January and his return date is still unknown. The Pelicans have stated that Williamson is unlikely to return before the play-in tournament, but there is still a chance that he will play during the playoffs if the team advances that far.
Williamson’s last game was against the Philadelphia 76ers on January 2, where he scored 26 points, grabbed six rebounds and dished out seven assists before his injury.
Since then, the 22-year-old has been sidelined due to injury and it looks like his season could be over. Giving an update on Williamson’s injury, David Griffin, executive vice president of basketball operations, said:
“After further evaluation, it has been determined that Zion Williamson will continue his rehabilitation and conditioning regimen. We will continue to monitor his progression and updates will be provided as necessary.”
Zion Williamson could be available for the first-round playoffs if the Pelicans advance.
Unfortunately, his season seems to be coming to an end, with only two games remaining in the regular season, and the Pelicans have little chance of climbing to sixth place in the Western Conference.
Zion Williamson could return and help them make a deep run if the Pelicans end up advancing to the first round of the playoffs, scheduled to start on April 15.
Williamson’s injury is just the latest setback in his career, which has been plagued by numerous injuries. Despite his popularity among fans for his dominant performances on the court, he has only played 114 games in four years, missing 192 regular season games, all eight post-season games last season and the All-Star Game this year. The Pelicans will undoubtedly miss his impressive talent, but they will need to find a way to play without him for the rest of the season.