New Orleans Pelicans superstar Zion Williamson has struggled to stay healthy this season in what was supposed to be his comeback year. As a result, the Pelicans, who got off to a great start earlier this year, now find themselves on the brink of missing the playoffs and play-in tournament. Fortunately, Williamson is still expected to return at some point this season, but he’s been out longer than anyone expected.
Zion Williamson’s injury status for the Pelicans’ game against the Houston Rockets on March 19th
Williamson hasn’t played for the Pelicans since January 2 after suffering a hamstring injury. Being out two months and a half months with a hamstring injury seems like a long time, and it is, because he reaggravated the injury during rehab more than a moth ago, pushing his return back.
Pelicans All-Star Zion Williamson – sidelined since Jan. 2 with hamstring strain – re-aggravated the injury and is expected to miss additional weeks after All-Star break, David Griffin says.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 12, 2023
That unfortunately means he won’t suit up and play in the Pelicans’ game against the Rockets.
When will Zion Williamson play?
While Williamson appears to be progressing, he will be out for a while longer.
Zion Williamson (hamstring) will miss a minimum of two more weeks, Pels say.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 8, 2023
With only 12 games and three weeks remaining in the Pelicans’ regular season, time is running out for him to get back on the court. While he could still return ahead of the postseason, the Pelicans are currently out of the play-in tournament, and they could even theoretically shut him down for the rest of the season rather than rush him back.
New Orleans Pelicans’ full injury report against the Rockets on March. 19
Joining Williamson in sitting out the Rockets game is Jose Alvarado. Nance Jr. Alvarado will be out for at least three weeks with a stress reaction in his tibia.
New Orleans Pelicans’ next four opponents
The Pelicans enter a make-or-break stretch that could determine their season. They play three of their next five games on the road, each against teams also vying to make the playoffs. The Pelicans are currently 12th in the West and are looking in from the outside at the play-in tournament.
Saturday, March 21 San Antonio at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 23 Charlotte at 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, March 25 @ Clippers at 10:30 p.m.
Friday, March 27 @ Trail Blazers at 10:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 29 @ Golden State at 10:00 p.m.
Overall, despite Williamson having been out for two-plus months, there is still hope that he will return this season. However, with fewer than twenty games remaining before the playoffs (assuming the Pelicans make the playoffs), they are running out of time to get their best player back.