Injuries have marred the dominant comeback season of Zion Williamson.
The Pelicans star was forced to sit out multiple games early in the 2022-23 season because of a nagging foot injury. He was then sidelined for a three-game stretch in December after being placed in health and safety protocols.
Now, the 22-year-old is out with a hamstring injury. Here’s everything we know about Williamson’s setback and the latest news on when he may return to the court.
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What is Zion Williamson’s injury?
Late in the third quarter of the Pelicans’ Jan. 2 game against the 76ers, Williamson left the court with a right hamstring strain. The team later announced that he would not return.
Zion Williamson (right hamstring strain) will not return to tonight’s game
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) January 3, 2023
Williamson finished with 26 points (10-of-12 shooting from the field), seven assists and six rebounds in 28 minutes.
How long will Zion Williamson be out?
During his media availability on Jan. 27, Williamson told reporters that he was “feeling great” and “progressing extremely well” with his rehabilitation plan, but he didn’t offer a firm return date.
Williamson was cleared to start running on Jan. 31, according to TNT’s Chris Haynes, who reported that there was “no limitation in his gait whatsoever.” Haynes added that Williamson would be re-evaluated on Feb. 7.
A @NBAonTNT update on the next phase for New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson: pic.twitter.com/ZpXD2y86JJ
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 1, 2023
On Feb. 8, ESPN’s Andrew Lopez tweeted that Williamson will be out through the All-Star Game and will be re-evaluated after the break.
Through 29 games, Williamson is averaging 26.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 60.8 percent from the field and 36.8 percent from the 3-point line.
Pelicans schedule 2022-23
New Orleans has three more games on its schedule before NBA All-Star Weekend. The Pelicans will play their next game at home before hitting the road for matchups with the Thunder and Lakers.
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Feb. 10 | vs. Cavaliers | 10 p.m. |
| Feb. 13 | at Thunder | 8 p.m. |
| Feb. 15 | at Lakers | 10 p.m. |
Zion Williamson career stats, highlights
- 25.8 points per game
- 7.0 rebounds per game
- 3.6 assists per game
- 0.9 steals per game
- 0.6 blocks per game
- 2.9 turnovers per game
- 32.0 minutes per game
- 60.5 percent shooting
- 34.3 percent 3-point shooting
- 69.1 percent free throw shooting
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