In the absence of Zion Williamson, the New Orleans Pelicans are striving to progress in the NBA playoffs, displaying commendable effort in their initial road loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Following his left hamstring injury towards the end of the Pelicans’ defeat in the play-in game against the Lakers, Williamson was sidelined. He missed the subsequent play-in game against the Sacramento Kings, as well as the narrow 94-92 loss to the Thunder, the top seed in the Western Conference.
The duration of Williamson’s absence remains uncertain, as injuries are inherently unpredictable. Despite this, Williamson attempted to offer some perspective to NBA reporters, suggesting that a return during the playoffs is “absolutely realistic,” as reported by Will Guillory of The Athletic.
Reflecting on his injury, Williamson noted that it felt different from the previous season’s hamstring injury, indicating it may not be as severe. Despite finding the injury demoralizing, he has begun rehabilitation work with trainers and expressed optimism about his progress.
The Pelicans now face the challenge of advancing past the Thunder, potentially necessitating Williamson’s return. However, their performance in Game 1 showcased resilience, even in his absence, with the outcome hinging on CJ McCollum’s missed 3-pointer at the buzzer.
McCollum acknowledged the need for quicker decision-making but credited the Thunder’s defense. Despite the setback, Williamson’s impact throughout the season has been substantial, highlighted by his impressive statistics across various categories.
