The New Orleans Pelicans must continue their playoffs push without All-Star forward Zion Williamson. The team issued an update on Williamson on Wednesday, revealing that the player will miss at least two more weeks while rehabbing from a hamstring injury.
According to the Pelicans, Williamson’s medical imaging during a recent re-evaluation showed that the hamstring “continues to heal.” The team plans to examine the 22-year-old player again in two weeks.
Williamson injured his hamstring in early January, and the team was initially optimistic that he wouldn’t be out for long. However, a setback in February pushed back his return to court. Williamson played only 29 games in 2022-23, averaging 26.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.6 assists.
While it’s unclear whether Williamson will be able to return before the regular season ends, New Orleans’ head coach Willie Green said on Wednesday that he is hoping for the best.
“We’re definitely optimistic about that,” said Green.
The Pelicans have lost seven of their last 10 games, causing them to slide to No. 10 in Western Conference and be in danger of dropping out of the Play-In tournament spot. However, the good news for New Orleans is that the playoff race in the West remains crowded, with only three games separating the Utah Jazz at No. 13 and the Dallas Mavericks at No. 5.
