Zion Williamson Confident Of Returning In Playoffs
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (hamstring) has said that it is "absolutely realistic" for him to return to action this postseason, reports Will Guillory of The Athletic. Williamson suffered a left hamstring strain a week ago in the team's first play-in game against the Lakers. He's on track for a re-evaluation in a week's time. Trey Murphy III has taken over from Williamson in the starting unit and opened the playoffs with a very impressive performance in Game 1 against Oklahoma City. The 23-year-old led the team with 21 points and three blocks, adding four rebounds, two steals, and one steal to his line.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (hamstring), who has been ruled out for Friday's play-in game against the Sacramento Kings, will be re-evaluated in two weeks. It's a huge blow to New Orleans' chances of clinching a playoff berth, as Williamson exited Tuesday's loss to the visiting Los Angeles Lakers due to a strained left hamstring. Unless the Pelicans are able to go on an unlikely deep postseason run, Williamson's season may very well be over. The 23-year-old slashing superstar played in a career-high 70 games during the regular season, collecting 22.9 points on 57.0% shooting from the floor, 5.8 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.1 steals in 31.5 minutes per contest. Marksman Trey Murphy III is the most likely candidate to join the starting lineup on Friday against the Kings, averaging 17.9 points, 5.4 boards, 2.6 dimes, 1.0 swipes, and 3.5 three-pointers in seven games without Williamson this year.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (leg) scored a game-high 40 points off 17-for-27 shooting in Tuesday's Play-In loss to the Lakers. He added 11 rebounds, five assists, one block, and one steal. Williamson had a fantastic showing. Unfortunately, he suffered a leg injury late in the contest and didn't return. Although details were scarce initially, head coach Willie Green labeled Williamson's injury as "left leg soreness" while revealing he will undergo imaging on Wednesday. At any rate, Williamson has battled countless injuries throughout his career, so this situation is concerning. But if the 2019 No. 1 overall pick can't suit up for the Pelicans' next Play-In contest versus Golden State or Sacramento, Larry Nance Jr. would presumably fill the void in the lineup.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (undisclosed) exited Tuesday's Play-In matchup with the Lakers. The Pelicans were down big. However, the team managed to get back in it, with Williamson knotting things at up 95 by making a basket in the paint. Unfortunately, he came down and immediately grimaced with pain before heading to the locker room. Williamson likely injured his leg, although there aren't any details at the moment. But if he doesn't return to this one, he'll finish with 40 points, 11 boards, and five assists.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (finger) is good to go for Sunday's pivotal battle with the Suns. The former Blue Devil didn't suit up for Friday's matchup with the Spurs because of a finger injury. But the Pels need a win after dropping their last four games, so Williamson should see plenty of work against Phoenix. With Jose Alvarado (oblique) also back in the lineup, guys like Larry Nance Jr. and Dyson Daniels may get fewer minutes, lowering their DFS potential.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (finger) is questionable for Sunday's game in Phoenix. He has a left finger contusion, which kept him off the floor for Friday's loss to the San Antonio Spurs. But the Pelicans are trailing the Suns to climb out of the Play-In picture, meaning Williamson should be out there. Of course, the team could play it safe by keeping him off the floor. If that's the case, Dyson Daniels, who had seven points, seven rebounds, and two steals in 37 minutes on Friday, could remain in the starting lineup.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (finger) won't play on Friday against San Antonio. The Pelicans are facing the Spurs, one of the worst teams in the NBA, so Williamson may just be getting a night off ahead of Sunday's clash with the Suns. But now that he's ruled out, Larry Nance Jr. should be a popular DFS value option. At the same time, CJ McCollum, Trey Murphy III, and Herbert Jones could also see an uptick on the offensive end.
New Orleans Pelicans power forward Zion Williamson (finger) is questionable for Friday's game with the San Antonio Spurs. Williamson sustained a left-finger contusion in Wednesday's loss to the visiting Orlando Magic. He had X-rays that returned negative, but the 24-year-old may still not suit up. If Williamson is a no-go, small forward Naji Marshall, power forward Larry Nance Jr., and forward Jeremiah Robinson-Earl could see an uptick in minutes on the court.
New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green says forward Zion Williamson's (finger) X-rays and scans came back clean. Williamson sustained a left finger contusion in Wednesday's loss to the visiting Orlando Magic and is now considered day-to-day. The 23-year-old slashing superstar will likely be listed as questionable when New Orleans submits their official injury report later on Thursday for Friday's tilt against the San Antonio Spurs. If Williamson needs to miss that one, it would open up a spot in the Pels' starting lineup likely for disruptive defenders Naji Marshall or Dyson Daniels. Trey Murphy III has been the biggest fantasy beneficiary of his prior absences, however, averaging 18.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.8 steals, and 4.0 three-pointers covering six games without Williamson this season.
New Orleans Pelicans forward/center Zion Williamson injured the middle finger of his shooting hand in Wednesday's contest against Orlando. He was hurt in the final few minutes of the second quarter. Williamson was initially able to play through the injury but came out of the game with 7:24 left on the clock in the fourth frame. He logged only 29 minutes in total, posting 15 points, two rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one block. The Pelicans return to action on Friday versus San Antonio, and Williamson could miss his 12th game of the season. Naji Marshall and Larry Nance Jr. will have extra fantasy value if that's the case.
