Zion Williamson, the dynamic forward for the New Orleans Pelicans, will not participate in the upcoming play-in tournament elimination game against the Sacramento Kings due to a left hamstring injury, as confirmed by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
The announcement came on Wednesday, leaving the team without one of its key players for a critical juncture in their postseason quest.
The injury occurred during a standout performance against the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday, where Williamson scored 40 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, marking his first career game to achieve such stats. He had to leave the tie game shortly before it concluded, with just over three minutes left on the clock.
This season has seen Williamson reach new personal milestones, having played in 71 games, the most in his professional career so far. The upcoming game was set to be his first in a postseason environment, not counting regular-season contests, highlighting a significant progression in his NBA journey.
Injuries have been a recurring theme in Williamson’s career, particularly during critical moments. He was unable to participate in the Pelicans’ play-in games and subsequent playoff series in 2022, as well as last season’s play-in game, all due to injuries.
Williamson’s condition will be reassessed in the weeks to come, sources told ESPN, as the team and fans alike hope for a swift and full recovery. In the meantime, the Pelicans will have to navigate the high-stakes environment of the play-in tournament without their star forward.
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