New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

Pelicans get concerning injury update on Zion Williamson

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated 4/17/24

Zion Williamson left Tuesday’s play-in tournament game with an injury, raising serious questions about his status for Friday’s must-win contest. One day later, the Pelicans got unfortunate news about the status of their star.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Williamson will not play due to a left hamstring injury. He does not appear likely to make a quick return even if the Pelicans win, as Wojnarowski added that he will be “evaluated again in the coming weeks.”

ESPN Sources: Pelicans F Zion Williamson’s (left hamstring) is out for Friday’s Play-In Tournament elimination game vs. Sacramento and will be evaluated again in coming weeks. Huge blow for New Orleans. pic.twitter.com/rMc1IC2RtY

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 17, 2024

Williamson was outstanding in the Pelicans’ loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, scoring 40 points, 11 rebounds and five assists. At the time of his injury, the Lakers and Pelicans were tied 95-95, but the Lakers pulled ahead and won 110-106 with Williamson sidelined down the stretch.

Thanks to that defeat, the Pelicans will face the Sacramento Kings on Friday in a do-or-die play-in game. They will have to find a way to win without Williamson, whose long-standing injury concerns have resurfaced at the worst possible time.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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