After a hamstring hiccup that sidelined him for a lengthy stretch, New Orleans Pelicans' marquee player Zion Williamson is set to make a return. According to an update from ESPN, Williamson has been green-lit to play against the Minnesota Timberwolves Tuesday night, following a left hamstring strain that kept him off the court since a November 6 defeat to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
In the 27 games Williamson was absent, the Pelicans struggled to keep their head above water, sitting uncomfortably at 7-29. The forward's career has been riddled with injury interruptions, limiting him to 190 games over five and a half seasons, as ESPN notes. Yet when available, his impact is undeniable with averages of 24.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game.
WDSU highlighted that prior to the injury, Williamson had participated in just six games. The anticipation for his return is palpable, with New Orleans fans readying to see the high-flying forward in action at 7 p.m. at the Smoothie King Center.
The Pelicans, looking to possibly bolster their momentum after back-to-back wins against a fellow league straggler, the Washington Wizards, expect much from Zion's return. "It's great," Coach Willie Green said about the recent victories, as reported by Reuters. "Two wins in a row. We'll continue to ride this momentum." Whether Williamson will to immediately jump back in as a full-time starter is yet to be seen, but his presence on the floor is something New Orleans has eagerly awaited.
Williamson's ongoing saga with his hamstring, which included a strain sidelining him for the final 45 games of the 2022-23 season, remains a focal point for concern among the Pelicans' medical staff and fans alike. As Zion takes the hardwood again, all eyes will undoubtedly be on his performance and more importantly, his health, which is crucial for any hopes the Pelicans harbor for reviving their season.
.jpg){kind=link}