John Hefferon MD
2 min read • April 07, 2023
Posted in
New Orleans Pelicans guard Zion Williamson is not expected to return for next week’s Play-In Tournament while recovering from his Jan. 2 hamstring strain.
The Pro Basketball Docs have been pessimistic about Williamson’s chance to return for the play-in given his size and explosiveness needed to be effective.
It makes sense for the team to be cautious with Williamson’s return to avoid further setback. Even if he’s active for a potential First-Round playoff matchup, the Pro Basketball Docs expect he will play limited minutes and likely come off the bench.
New Orleans has adapted well after the loss of Williamson and has clinched a Play-In berth. Entering Friday’s games, the Pelicans are eighth in the West and would face the seventh-place Lakers if the standings remain.
The Pelicans have won eight of their last 10 games, in part because of the increased play of Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III.
Murphy is averaging 4.0 made threes over the last 10 games.
Jones has been a big part of a defensive unit that has limited teams to 106.1 per game over the last 10.
Over the last four seasons, Williamson has played 114 career regular-season games for the Pelicans. He missed all of 2021-22 with a fifth metatarsal fracture in his right foot.
The Pelicans currently have the fourth-worst odds to win the NBA Finals at +24000, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
They are favored by 8 points Friday night against the New York Knicks.
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Written by John Hefferon MD
