The Pelicans' season remains alive. But if they're going to go on any kind of a postseason run, they would like to have their star forward back.
Zion Williamson finally posted a healthy season, playing in 70 games for the first time in his career. In that healthy campaign, he averaged 22.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game, leading the Pelicans in scoring and second in rebounds and assists per game.
But in New Orleans' first Play-In game against the Lakers, Williamson sustained a hamstring injury that took him out of the contest late in the fourth quarter.
Will the 6-6 forward be able to return for the Pelicans in the NBA Playoffs? Here's what you need to know.
MORE: Watch Pelicans vs. Thunder live with Sling
What is Zion Williamson's injury?
Williamson, 23, sustained a hamstring injury in the Pelicans' Play-In loss to the Lakers on April 14.
With 3:13 remaining in the fourth quarter, Williams left the contest. He slammed a towel to the ground as he got up to walk to the locker room. He had just scored his 40th point of the contest.
Zion Williamson slammed a towel in frustration and went back to the locker room with an apparent injury after scoring his 40th point on this play 👇 pic.twitter.com/iZqUlFxPF0
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 17, 2024
Is Zion Williamson playing in the 2024 NBA Playoffs?
To play in the playoffs, Williamson is going to need to hope the Pelicans hang around long enough.
The Pelicans announced Williamson's injury would be re-evaluated two weeks after his diagnosis, which would mean no earlier than May 1. New Orleans will be playing the fifth game of its first-round series against the No. 1 seed Thunder on May 1, assuming neither team is swept.
NOH: NBA playoff predictions 2024
An evaluation does not mean he would be ready to return that same day. There's a possibility Williamson would still need time to work himself up to game speed. There's also a possibility a re-evaluation of the injury could find he needs more time away to fully recover.
On April 23, Williamson said it is "absolutely realistic" for him to return this postseason, per Will Guillory of The Athletic. His return is still seemingly dependent on an extended series between New Orleans and Oklahoma City.
Williamson's season is not necessarily over. But going up against the No. 1 team in the Western Conference, potentially all without Williamson, could be a tall task for New Orleans.
Thunder vs. Pelicans schedule, TV channels
| Date | Game/Result | Time (ET) | TV channel/Live stream |
| Sunday, April 21 | Thunder 94, Pelicans 92 | ||
| Wednesday, April 24 | Game 2 at Thunder | 9:30 p.m. | TNT, Sling |
| Saturday, April 27 | Game 3 at Pelicans | 3:30 p.m. | TNT, Sling |
| Monday, April 29 | Game 4 at Pelicans | TBD | TBD |
| Wednesday, May 1 | Game 5 at Thunder* | TBD | TBD |
| Friday, May 3 | Game 6 at Pelicans* | TBD | TBD |
| Sunday, May 5 | Game 7 at Thunder* | TBD | TBD |
* - If necessary
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