Report: Zion Williamson could return for Pelicans’ final regular season games

New Orleans Pelicans superstar forward Zion Williamson is set to be re-evaluated by the team next week and could possibly return for the final two regular season games, Chris Haynes reported during Tuesday’s NBA on TNT broadcast.

Williamson hasn’t taken the court since Jan. 2 after suffering a hamstring injury. He reportedly suffered a setback during the recovery process and his return was pushed back to the end of the regular season.

According to the Pelicans, the two-time All-Star was cleared to resume on-court activities on March 22. Haynes reported that Williamson had been taking part in more intense workouts in the lead-up to his potential return.

Up until his hamstring injury, the dynamic point-forward was averaging 26.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 4.6 assists per contest and was named an All-Star starter.

Williamson has dealt with injuries all too frequently throughout his four-year career. He played only 24 games in his rookie season, 61 in his sophomore campaign and missed the entirety of the 2021-2022 season due to a foot injury.

The Pelicans had a 23-14 record at the time of Williamson’s injury and were third in the Western Conference. In the 38 games since they have gone 15-23, giving them a 38-37 record and dropping them to eighth in the conference.

However, the Pelicans have been trending upward lately and are in the midst of a five-game winning streak. With their recent recovery, they’ve managed to remain in a play-in spot despite the constant jockeying for position out West. They’re a game and a half ahead of the Dallas Mavericks and the 11th seed.

The final two regular-season games for the Pelicans are on April 7 against the New York Knicks and April 9 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

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