Injuries have marred the dominant comeback season of Zion Williamson.
The Pelicans star was forced to sit out multiple games early in the 2022-23 season because of a nagging foot injury. He was then sidelined for a three-game stretch in December after being placed in health and safety protocols.
Now, the 22-year-old has been out since Jan. 4 after suffering a hamstring injury. Here’s everything we know about Williamson’s setback and the latest news on when he may return to the court.
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What is Zion Williamson’s injury?
Late in the third quarter of the Pelicans’ Jan. 2 game against the 76ers, Williamson left the court with a right hamstring strain. The team later announced that he would not return.
Zion Williamson (right hamstring strain) will not return to tonight’s game
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) January 3, 2023
Williamson finished with 26 points (10-of-12 shooting from the field), seven assists and six rebounds in 28 minutes.
How long will Zion Williamson be out?
The Pelicans announced on Jan. 3 that Williamson would be re-evaluated in three weeks.
On Jan. 24, the team announced that upon re-evaluation, it was revealed that Williamson’s injury is healing as expected and that he would be re-evaluated in another two weeks’ time.
He will continue his rehabilitation process, which includes strengthening his hamstring and gradually progressing to more movement.
He will be re-evaluated again in two weeks.
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) January 24, 2023
On Jan. 31, one week after the team’s latest update, ESPN’s Andrew Lopez mentioned that Williamson was doing “some light jogging/sprints work at practice” and was “doing more mobility drills” — a good sign for his potential return.
Williamson is expected to be re-evaluated on Tuesday, Feb. 7.
Through 29 games, Williamson is averaging 26.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 60.8 percent from the field and 36.8 percent from the 3-point line.
Pelicans schedule 2022-23
Here is New Orleans’ schedule through the 2023 NBA All-Star Game:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Jan. 25 | vs. Timberwolves | 8 p.m. |
| Jan. 28 | vs. Wizards | 8 p.m. |
| Jan. 29 | at Bucks | 8 p.m. |
| Jan. 31 | at Nuggets | 10 p.m. |
| Feb. 2 | at Mavericks | 8:30 p.m. |
| Feb. 4 | vs. Lakers | 8 p.m. |
| Feb. 5 | vs. Kings | 7 p.m. |
| Feb. 7 | vs. Hawks | 7:30 p.m. |
| Feb. 10 | vs. Cavaliers | 10 p.m. |
| Feb. 13 | at Thunder | 8 p.m. |
| Feb. 15 | at Lakers | 10 p.m. |
| Feb. 19 | 2023 NBA All-Star Game | 8 p.m. |
Zion Williamson career stats, highlights
- 25.8 points per game
- 7.0 rebounds per game
- 3.6 assists per game
- 0.9 steals per game
- 0.6 blocks per game
- 2.9 turnovers per game
- 32.0 minutes per game
- 60.5 percent shooting
- 34.3 percent 3-point shooting
- 69.1 percent free throw shooting
