The Pelicans are set to face the Thunder in the NBA play-in tournament, but they will be without Zion Williamson as he continues to nurse a hamstring injury.
According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the former No. 1 pick’s absence is expected to extend beyond the play-in and into the first round of the playoffs, should the Pelicans advance that far.
During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Monday, Charania indicated that Williamson remains well away from returning to action.
“From what I’m told, the Pelicans believe he’s not even close, to getting back on the floor,” said Charania. “There’s no expectation from the Pelicans that he will be on the floor at any point in the first round of the playoffs.”
"From what I'm told the Pelicans don't think Zion Williamson is even close to getting back on the floor..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 10, 2023
There's no expectation from the Pelicans that he'll be on the court at any point in the first round of the playoffs" ~ @ShamsCharania#PMSLive pic.twitter.com/svgpsQ9ZN6
Charania cited Williamson’s conditioning as a key reason for the delay in his return to action, having been unable to stay active while nursing his injury.
Williamson last played on Jan. 2, 2023, missing each of the Pelicans’ last 55 games. He featured in 29 games this season after missing the entire ’21–22 season. Across four seasons in New Orleans, the 22-year-old has made just 114 appearances, and now figures to be sidelined during the team’s first taste of postseason action since he joined the franchise.
Barring a miracle playoff run from the Pelicans, it seems unlikely that Williamson will be back in action until the 2023–24 NBA season.
