Zion Williamson Injured In Playoff Opener: Hamstring Issue Under Review

Photo: Instagram/Zion Williamson

The NBA Playoffs kicked off with a bang, but not without its first major setback. In a nail-biting Play-In game between the Pelicans and Lakers for the West's No. 7 seed, Zion Williamson hit the 40-point mark but left the game with a concerning injury.

With only three minutes left on the clock and the game tied, Williamson appeared to hurt his leg and quickly signaled to the bench. He left the game angrily and headed to the locker room during the next timeout. The Pelicans ended up losing 110-106 to the Lakers.

After the game, Pelicans coach Willie Green described Williamson's injury as "left leg soreness." However, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that it's likely a hamstring issue. Williamson will have more tests on Wednesday to determine the severity of the injury and when he might return to play.

Photo: Instagram/Zion Williamson

His availability for Friday's crucial game against the Kings, who beat the Warriors on Tuesday, is uncertain. Despite the injury, Williamson was seen leaving the arena without a limp and without any visible leg wrap, suggesting some optimism about his recovery.

This injury comes at a critical time for the Pelicans, who were aiming to secure their playoff spot after a strong comeback against the Lakers. Williamson had a stellar performance with 40 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists, showcasing his talent on both ends of the court.


If the Pelicans manage to beat the Kings on Friday, they will face the Thunder in the first round instead of the Nuggets, which could be a more favorable matchup. However, their chances heavily rely on Williamson's recovery.


The Pelicans and their fans are now eagerly waiting for Wednesday's test results, hoping for positive news as they prepare for their next do-or-die game.

Read Next: Jontay Porter Faces Lifetime NBA Ban For Gambling Violations

Source: CBS Sports 

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