Pelicans’ Zion Williamson Sidelined with Leg Injury During NBA Play-In Game

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson encountered a setback during his team’s crucial NBA Play-In Tournament clash against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Following the game, head coach Willie Green addressed Williamson’s condition, citing leg soreness as the primary concern.

According to reports from Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic, Williamson sustained a hamstring injury, prompting scheduled examinations slated for Wednesday.

Despite an impressive performance, tallying 40 points before exiting the game, Williamson’s injury forced an early departure from the court. His absence during the closing minutes contributed to the Pelicans’ 110-106 defeat against the Lakers.

This latest setback adds to a season marked by intermittent health concerns for Williamson. Earlier in April, he experienced a contusion on his left middle finger during a matchup against the Orlando Magic. While initially labeled as “day-to-day” by Coach Green, Williamson’s swift recovery saw him return to action promptly after negative X-ray results.

Throughout the 2023-24 campaign, Williamson has displayed exceptional form, averaging 22.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.0 assists across 65 games—a notable milestone in his NBA career. Despite his previous injury history, Williamson’s relatively healthy season has been pivotal for the Pelicans’ success, marking their best performance since 2017-18.

With Williamson sidelined, the Pelicans face heightened pressure on Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum to elevate their offensive contributions, particularly in must-win scenarios like the upcoming game against the winner of the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings.