After playing a career-high 70 games for the New Orleans Pelicans this season, Zion Williamson helped lead the team to their highest win total in over a decade. But as they prepare for their second play-in game, Zion’s availability is now in doubt.
According to NBA insider Shams Charania, Zion is believed to have suffered a hamstring injury during their play-in tournament loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. He noted that Williamson was able to leave the arena without a limp though.
“Pelicans star Zion Williamson is believed to have suffered a left hamstring injury tonight vs. Lakers, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium . Williamson had 40 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists before having to leave in final minutes of crunch time. Tests coming on Wednesday,” Charania wrote.
“Williamson walked out of arena without a limp, per @WillGuillory. New Orleans has a single-elimination Play-In Tournament game Friday for the No. 8 seed in West.”
Prior to the injury, he had a double-double with 40 points, 11 rebounds and five assists.
The Pelicans went on to lose the game, 110-106. They have one last chance at getting into the playoffs with a play-in game against the Sacramento Kings on Friday. The winner of that game will be the 8th seed in the playoffs.
If Zion is able to play – and play as well as he did against the Lakers – they have a good chance. But if he’s forced out of action, the Pelicans could be packing up their lockers this week.