The New Orleans Pelicans will have to face Friday night's crucial game against the Sacramento Kings without Williamson.
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As Zion Williamson was showcasing his exceptional talent on the grand stage, the unfortunate return of injuries struck him once more. The New Orleans Pelicans will have to face Friday night’s crucial game against the Sacramento Kings without Williamson as they vie for the last playoff spot in the Western Conference. It’s a do-or-die scenario, with the loser exiting the playoff contention in this play-in game.
The victor will move forward to confront the number one seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the opening round of the playoffs.
Williamson was performing exceptionally well, amassing 40 points and 11 rebounds, before being forced to leave the court due to a left hamstring injury with just 3:13 left in Tuesday’s 110-106 defeat against the visiting Los Angeles Lakers in the play-in game. He underwent an MRI examination on Wednesday and will undergo re-evaluation in two weeks.
For the Pelicans, Williamson will not be playing the game. As for the Kings, Monk and Huerter will be sitting this one out due to injuries.
The Kings are certainly not sympathizing with the Pelicans, especially considering their track record in the regular season matchups. In all five encounters with New Orleans, Sacramento ended up on the losing side.
Four out of these five games saw double-digit differentials, highlighting the dominance of the Pelicans. Notable among these victories was a decisive 129-93 triumph in New Orleans on Nov. 20 and a commanding 133-100 win in Sacramento on Jan. 7.
The Kings experienced a shaky finish to the regular season, securing only four victories in their last 11 games. Adding to their challenges, they suffered the loss of starter Kevin Huerter due to season-ending shoulder surgery and sixth man standout Malik Monk due to a knee injury, potentially sidelining him for at least the first round of the postseason should they qualify.
Aware of the adversity his team faces, Sacramento coach Mike Brown understands that the Pelicans won’t be sympathetic to their absences, especially when their top weapon is sidelined.
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