Zion Williamson, the 23-year-old star of the New Orleans Pelicans, is optimistic about returning to the court before the end of the postseason. Williamson has been sidelined since April 16 with a left hamstring strain, but he told reporters on Tuesday that he believes a return is “absolutely realistic.” Williamson said he is passing tests and getting back to his baseline, and is hopeful he can return to action soon.
Williamson suffered the injury in the Pelicans’ play-in tournament game against the Los Angeles Lakers. He had a 40-point night in the game, but went up against Lakers’ Anthony Davis in the paint and came up grimacing after his lob shot fell with just three minutes left in the contest. Williamson was seen shortly after on the bench, slamming a towel down in frustration before walking down the tunnel toward the Pelicans locker room.
The Pelicans fell to the Thunder in the first game of the best-of-seven series on Sunday in a nailbiter of a loss. Playing without Williamson makes the Pelicans’ chances of winning the series tougher. Game 2 is slated to take place on Wednesday at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
Williamson’s return would be a major boost for the Pelicans, who are looking to advance to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2018. The Pelicans have struggled without Williamson, losing Game 1 of their first-round series against the Thunder on Sunday. Williamson is averaging 27.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game this season.
