New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson has been out of action since leaving the team’s Play-In loss to the Los Angeles Lakers early due to a hamstring injury. Following his injury, it was reported that Williamson would be re-evaluated in two weeks. Today, less than a week later, Williamson opened up about possibly returning in the playoffs. According to the Duke alum, there is a “realistic” chance he can suit up before the end of the season.
When asked if there was a chance he could return this postseason, Williamson said, “That is definitely realistic. That is absolutely realistic. But like I said, I got to pass the tests and get back to baseline, and hopefully I’ll be out there.”
Head coach Willie Green spoke about Williamson and how “upset” he was after he found out he was set to miss time in the postseason.
“He’s upset. Disappointed. No way around it. It was tough news. We are all rallying around him, and going to support him as best as we can.”
Without Williamson, the Pelicans defeated the Sacramento Kings in the Play-In Tournament to secure the No. 8 seed. Currently, New Orleans is down 0-1 in their series against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Status Update for New Orleans Pelicans Star Revealed
The Pelicans Need Zion Williamson to Defeat the Thunder
Even without Williamson, the Pelicans have a talented roster. Led by CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram, the Pelicans are still a force on the offensive side of the ball in Williamson’s absence. However, the Thunder are the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference for a reason. Led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder ended the regular season with the second-best record in the NBA. Furthermore, they had the third-best offensive rating and the fourth-best defensive rating in the league. Outside the Boston Celtics, they were the only NBA team to finish in the top five in both categories. Furthermore, on paper, the Thunder are a much better team than the Pelicans. Even with Williamson at full strength, this would have been a difficult challenge for New Orleans. With him sidelined, it makes a playoff series victory even less likely.
“I really love hooping so it was bittersweet for me… The whole time I just kept envisioning myself out there, my impact on the game. At the same time I had to put aside my personal feelings for my teammates… I feel good about where we are”
— Zion Williamson on Game 1 pic.twitter.com/7nz46RYab1
— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) April 23, 2024
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault talked about facing a Pelicans team without Williamson, saying his absence “changes them significantly.”
“It changes them significantly. He’s just such a unique player. There’s a really good version of them without him and there’s a really good version with him.”
The Last Word on Zion Williamson
Depending on how many wins the Pelicans rack up without Williamson, it may become too late to bring the 23-year-old back this postseason. The Pelicans and the Thunder will face off again for Game 2 on Wednesday, April 24.
