Kings, Pelicans Limping to Potential Playoff Series with OKC Thunder
Oklahoma City will take on one of Sacramento or New Orleans in the first round of the Playoffs, both of which are struggling with injuries.
On Friday, April 19, the Pelicans and Kings will face off in one final Western Conference Play-In game to secure their spot in the 2024 NBA postseason.
The victor will face top-seeded Oklahoma City in the first round, what is sure to be a tall task for those familiar with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and co’s season.
Even more, both teams have been bitten by the injury bug, of late.
The most recent injury was that of Pelicans star Zion Williamson, who left with just a few minutes remaining against the Lakers Tuesday night, near-cementing the eventual New Orleans loss. It was one of the best games of his career, off one of his healthiest seasons, no less. Williamson scored 40 points, adding 11 rebounds and five assists.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania later tweeted that the star suffered what is believed to be a left hamstring injury, with more tests coming Wednesday.
While Ingram played in Tuesday’s Play-In game — scoring 11 points — he did miss the previous 12 games with injury himself.
On the flip side, the Sacramento Kings — who boasted a win Tuesday night — are also dealing with injuries and have been for some time. The biggest and most detrimental was Malik Monk’s MCL sprain, which has sidelined the Sixth Man of the Year candidate since late March.
Fifth-year guard Kevin Huerter, who started in all but five games for Sacramento while health, dislocated his shoulder and has also been out for some time.
Regardless of who Oklahoma City plays in round 1, they’re sure to be without some impactful minute-getters.
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