By Shams Charania, Alex Andrejev and William Guillory
New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson will miss Friday’s play-in game against the Sacramento Kings due to a left hamstring injury, according to ESPN.
Williamson looked unstoppable during Tuesday’s loss to the Los Angeles Lakers until his night ended early when he exited in the final minutes of the matchup. Pelicans coach Willie Green later described the injury as left leg soreness.
After the game, Williamson walked out of Smoothie King Center without any apparent mobility issues. He didn’t have a visible wrap on his leg either.
Williamson, who slammed a towel on the ground before walking to the locker room in the fourth quarter, scored a game-high 40 points. He added 11 rebounds and five assists in the loss. The Pelicans are set to host the Sacramento Kings — who defeated the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday — in an elimination game Friday.
With Tuesday’s loss, the Pelicans will play the Kings, who defeated the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night, in an elimination game. The winner advances to the NBA playoffs and the losing team’s season ends.
Williamson, 23, has averaged 22.9 points, 5.0 assists and 5.8 rebounds through 70 games this season. Tuesday marked the first non-regular-season game or preseason game of his career, which has been plagued by numerous injuries. Williamson missed the entire 2021-22 season with a fractured foot, and last season, he missed the Pelicans’ play-in game against the Oklahoma City Thunder due to injury.
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(Photo: Jeff Haynes / NBAE via Getty Images)
