Why Zion Williamson can be lethal for the Pelicans in the NBA’s bubble

The return of Zion Williamson will provide a massive boost to the New Orleans Pelicans and their hopes of making the playoffs.

The NBA season is now just a day away from making its return as the New Orleans Pelicans take on the Utah Jazz at 6:30 EST on Thursday. The Pelicans go into their bubble games with everything to gain and nothing to lose. They are one of three teams that are three and a half games behind the eighth-seed spot in the Western Conference. However, they are also the only team that has Zion Williamson on their roster.

Williamson left the bubble a couple of weeks ago due to a family emergency. Tuesday saw him return to join his Pelicans teammates in Orlando’s bubble – which is huge news for his team and any NBA fan in general. Williamson has practiced, but it is currently unclear on his situation regarding Thursday’s game. He may be available, but the main thing is that he’s going to be there for the remainder of his team’s season, and that will be massive for them.

The Pelicans have a number of games within their remaining schedule which appear to be very winnable. If they’re going to make the playoffs, then wins are going to have to come right off the bat, quick and consistently. It isn’t in the team’s hands, but if they are able to win their games then they’re going to put themselves in a great position to potentially grab that eighth spot, which would set up a ridiculous first-round match-up with LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Zion returning is the X-factor that this team ultimately needs if they are to go on and make the playoffs become a reality. His return brings a number of positive aspects to this Pelicans side.