Zion Williamson's Status For Thunder-Pelicans Game
On Wednesday evening, the New Orleans Pelicans will host the Oklahoma City Thunder for the play-in tournament.
For the game, they will be without arguably their best player, as All-Star forward Zion Williamson remains out due to a hamstring injury.
The former Duke star has not played in a game since the beginning of January.
That said, in the 29 games he appeared in, the 22-year-old was sensational with averages of 26.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.0 steals per contest.
He also shot 60.8% from the field and 36.8% from the three-point range.
On Tuesday, Williamson met with the media and spoke about his current status (the full interview can be watched here).
Reporter: "How close are you to feeling like you'll be ready to play?"
Williamson: "Physically, I'm fine. Now it's just a matter of like when I feel like Zion. I know the atmosphere I would be entering based off like the playoff experience. Now it's just a matter of when I feel like Zion."
Williamson missed the entire 2021-22 season, but the Pelicans were able to win their way through the play-in tournament and take the Phoenix Suns to six games in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.
They are in a similar situation this season, and if they beat the Thunder, the Pelicans will face off with the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Target Center on Friday for a chance to make the playoffs as the eighth seed.
In addition to Williamson, they have a very talented roster that also features Brandon Ingram and C.J. McCollum.