Pelicans' Zion Williamson: Remains out, but making progress
Rotowire
Williamson (hamstring) has been ruled out for Monday's Game 4 against the Thunder.
There was optimism that Williamson could return at some point in the postseason if New Orleans advanced, and that remains true as coach Willie Green said Sunday morning the superstar forward was cleared for stationary basketball drills, per Erin Summers of Bally Sports New Orleans. However, Williamson still isn't running and remains out while rehabbing a left hamstring strain he suffered during the team's first Play-In Tournament game against the Lakers. The Pelicans' season will be on the line Monday, so the positive update on Williamson may be for naught.
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Pelicans' Zion Williamson: Hopeful to return in postseason
Rotowire
Williamson (hamstring), who will be re-evaluated in one week, said Tuesday it is "realistic" he returns in the postseason, Andrew Lopez of ESPN.com reports.
Williamson exited the Pelicans' first Play-In Tournament game against the Lakers with a hamstring strain and has not played since. However, Williamson says he is hopeful to eventually make his postseason return, which would likely require a second-round matchup. Despite not having Williamson available for Game 1 against the top-seeded Thunder, the Pelicans kept it close, losing 94-92. How quickly the medical staff clears him may depend on how the remainder of the series plays out.
The Pelicans announced Wednesday that Williamson has been diagnosed with a left hamstring strain following an MRI and will be re-evaluated in approximately two weeks.
Williamson suffered the injury during the fourth quarter of Tuesday's Play-In Tournament loss to the Lakers and was already ruled out for the win-or-go-home matchup versus the Kings on Friday. The 2019 No. 1 overall pick's career has been defined by injuries, but he showed off his unique skill set when healthy this season and was dominant before leaving Tuesday's game, posting 40 points (17-27 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 6-9 FT), 11 rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block in 36 minutes. If Williamson is cleared right at the two-week mark, he could return late in a potential first-round series versus the Thunder, but the Pelicans must beat Sacramento first to keep their season alive.
