In a significant blow to their playoff aspirations, the New Orleans Pelicans will be without star forward Zion Williamson for the crucial play-in tournament elimination game against the Sacramento Kings, the team confirmed. Williamson, who has been pivotal to the Pelicans’ success this season, sustained a left hamstring strain, an MRI revealed on Wednesday. This latest setback marks another chapter in the young star’s injury-plagued career, sidelining him right after achieving his first career 40-point and 10-rebound game during a tense match against the Los Angeles Lakers.
The New Orleans Pelicans announced today that forward Zion Williamson has been diagnosed with a left hamstring strain. An MRI taken this morning confirmed the injury. Williamson will be re-examined in approximately two weeks. pic.twitter.com/efY3f2Kq0X
The timing could not be more challenging for the Pelicans, who have seen Williamson play in a career-high 70 games this season, signaling what many hoped would be a turning point in his durability concerns. Unfortunately, the injury occurred with just over three minutes left in a tightly contested game, sidelining him for upcoming critical encounters. Despite a reasonable 7-5 record in games without Williamson this season, his absence leaves a substantial void on both ends of the floor as the team faces off against a formidable Kings squad. As the Pelicans brace for the impact of his loss, Williamson will be reevaluated in two weeks, leaving fans and teammates eagerly awaiting his return to the court.
