Pelicans' Zion could realistically return for NBA playoffs

Zion Williamson, the New Orleans Pelicans' All-Star forward, offered an encouraging update on his injury recovery during a Tuesday afternoon press briefing. He discussed the current state of his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury and mentioned a "realistic" possibility of returning for the postseason. This news comes after the Pelicans announced that an MRI confirmed Williamson had sustained a left hamstring strain.

The team initially stated that Williamson would be re-evaluated in approximately two weeks, suggesting the earliest he could potentially return would be around May 1, possibly during a Game 5 scenario.

This season marks a significant milestone for Williamson as he has not yet played in the first round of the NBA playoffs. His last opportunity to participate in the playoffs was thwarted by a foot injury in 2022 when the Pelicans, without him, fell to the Phoenix Suns in six games during the first round.

Williamson's first postseason appearance was brief but memorable; he played on April 17 in the Pelicans' play-in game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite scoring an impressive 40 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, he was forced to leave the game with just over three minutes remaining due to his injury.


As the Pelicans prepare for their upcoming games, they remain hopeful that they can extend their series against the Oklahoma City Thunder long enough for Williamson to join in and potentially make his first-round debut. In the meantime, the team managed to keep their playoff hopes alive by winning a crucial play-in game against the Sacramento Kings on April 20. In that victory, six Pelicans players scored in double digits, demonstrating the kind of balanced offensive effort that will be necessary to compensate for Williamson's absence.

New Orleans is set to face the Thunder in Game 2, aiming to level the series. The game is scheduled for a 9:30 p.m. ET tipoff in Oklahoma City this Wednesday.

Source CBS Sports : Zion Williamson injury update: Pelicans star says there's 'realistic' chance he returns in NBA playoffs
Source Bleacher Report : Pelicans' Zion Williamson Has 'Realistic' Shot to Return from Injury for NBA Playoffs