As the Pelicans battle to secure a playoff spot to end the season, they got some bleak news Friday morning about their injured star.
All-Star forward Zion Williamson has been dealing with a hamstring injury he suffered earlier this year and it will most likely keep him out of the play-in tournament, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
“Pelicans star Zion Williamson – sidelined since Jan. 2 with a hamstring strain – is unlikely to return to action in next week’s Play-In Tournament,” Charania posted, citing sources. “The team has been cautious with Williamson’s comeback as he continues rehab process.”
This report comes a day after the Pelicans announced Williamson’s return is still up in the air.
“After further evaluation, it has been determined that Zion Williamson will continue his rehabilitation and conditioning regimen,” the team said in a statement Thursday. “We will continue to monitor his progression and updates will be provided as warranted.”
Williamson has only appeared in 29 games this season, averaging 26.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game on a 60.8 field goal percentage.
The 2019 first-overall pick has had trouble staying on the court so far in his young career.
Zion Williamson’s injury problems continue, and will keep him out through at least the play-in tournament. APHe played only 24 games his rookie year due to a knee surgery that kept him sidelined.
Toward the end of last season, Williamson fractured his finger, keeping him out of the Pelicans’ first-round playoff series against the Suns.
New Orleans lost that matchup, 4-2.
Williamson has played in just 29 games this season. Getty ImagesIt is unclear if Williamson would be available for the postseason if the Pelicans do make it past the play-in round.
The Pelicans hold the No. 8 seed with two games left — against the Knicks on Friday and Timberwolves on Sunday — as they try and climb the standings to avoid the play-in tournament.
