When Zion Williamson is off the court, the New Orleans Pelicans still outscore their opponents by 1.4 points per 100 possessions. But put him on the court and that number jumps to 7.3 per 100.
Which is to say, the Pelicans are going to miss Zion the next three weeks at least, as he is out with a strained hamstring (it likely is a little more).
Pelicans announced that medical imaging taken earlier today confirmed forward Zion Williamson sustained a right hamstring strain during last night’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) January 3, 2023
Williamson will be re-evaluated in three weeks.
Zion has played his way into the All-NBA (and All-Star) conversation this season, averaging 26 points a game on 60.2% shooting, with seven rebounds added in. New Orleans needs him healthy for the playoffs, Zion is the matchup nightmare teams need come the postseason.
What could help in the coming weeks is the return of Brandon Ingram, who has been out since late November with a sprained big toe but is reportedly close to getting back on the court.
