Zion Williamson just can't catch a break.
The two-time All-Star has faced seemingly endless criticism since being drafted with the No. 1 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. Whether it's because of injuries, his weight, dedication to the game or any other reason, no one has held back when it comes to the Pelicans' star.
Williamson was initially considered the prince that was promised — poised to become the NBA's next great star. As new blood has come into the league, Williamson has almost become a forgotten star at times.
Following an injury during the first round of the 2024 NBA Play-In Tournament, which saw him explode for 40 points and 11 rebounds against the Lakers in his postseason debut, it's Groundhog Day all over again as the Pelicans find themselves in a familiar spot — living life without Williamson.
How long will the Pelicans be without their star forward? Here's the latest on Williamson's hamstring.
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What is Zion Williamson's injury?Williamson is out with a left hamstring strain.
The injury was confirmed by an MRI following the Pelicans' loss in their Play-In game against the Lakers.
Williamson departed with 3:13 left in the fourth quarter and the game tied at 95. The star forward slammed a towel and was clearly disgusted that he had to leave.
Replays didn't show anything obvious, but Williamson's explosion to the rim and change of speeds likely contributed to the issue.
Zion Williamson slammed a towel in frustration and went back to the locker room with an apparent injury after scoring his 40th point on this play ???? pic.twitter.com/iZqUlFxPF0
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 17, 2024He finished with 40 points, 11 rebounds and five assists in 36 minutes, leading New Orleans in playing time.
How long is Zion Williamson out?Hamstrings are a notoriously pesky injury to deal with, especially since there is always the possibility of suffering a setback. The team announced that Williamson would be reevaluated in approximately two weeks following the April 17 diagnosis.
That means that Williamson won't be cleared to return until at least May 1, which coincides with Game 5 of their first-round series against the Thunder.
There's no telling whether he will require a ramp-up period before returning to game action. Regardless, there would be a chance, if all goes well, to see Williamson suit up if the series is extended or the Pelicans advance.
While the 2019 No. 1 pick has earned a reputation for being injury-prone, the 2023-24 season represented his healthiest one to date. Williamson played in a career-high 70 games, only the second time he appeared in at least 60 during his five years in the NBA.
The Play-In game against the Lakers represented Williamson's first chance to play in an NBA postseason. He was sidelined with injuries during the other two Play-Ins and also during New Orleans' first-round series during the 2021-22 season.
SN's NBA AWARDS: All-NBA Team | All-Defense Team | Player of the Year
Pelicans vs. Thunder schedule, TV channels Date Game Time (ET) TV/Live stream April 21 Game 1 9:30 p.m. TNT, Sling April 24 Game 2 9:30 p.m. TNT, Sling April 27 Game 3 3:30 p.m. TNT, Sling April 29 Game 4 TBD TBD May 1 Game 5* TBD TBD May 3 Game 6* TBD TBD May 5 Game 7* TBD TBD*If necessary
Zion Williamson stats 2023-2422.9 points per game5.8 rebounds per game5.0 assists per game1.1 steals per game0.7 blocks per game2.8 turnovers per game57.0 percent field goal shooting33.3 percent 3-point shooting70.2 percent free throw shooting
