Pelicans Star Zion Williamson Status Revealed vs. Kings

The Pelicans received a major update ahead of their win-or-go-home matchup on Friday.

Apr 2, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1). / Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

The Sacramento Kings got the job done on Tuesday night against the Golden State Warriors, avoiding elimination and moving one win away from a playoff appearance. They are set to face the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, who were taken down at home by the Los Angeles Lakers to send them to a win-or-go-home situation against Sacramento.

Despite the loss on Tuesday, New Orleans' star forward Zion Williamson played tremendously, dropping 40 points before exiting the game with three minutes remaining due to injury. Williamson exited prematurely while the game was tied, and many believe the game would have had a different outcome otherwise.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports that Williamson will be sidelined for Friday's matchup against the Kings with the left hamstring injury he suffered in Tuesday's loss.

ESPN Sources: Pelicans F Zion Williamson’s (left hamstring) is out for Friday’s Play-In Tournament elimination game vs. Sacramento and will be evaluated again in coming weeks. Huge blow for New Orleans. pic.twitter.com/rMc1IC2RtY

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 17, 2024

New Orleans playing without Williamson is a massive development and could flip the script entirely. The Pelicans are 7-5 without their star forward, including one 33-point win over Sacramento. The Kings are 0-5 against the Pelicans this season, but Williamson being sidelined could be the break they hoped to catch.

Williamson has had three 25+ point games against Sacramento this season, including a 31-point performance in their most recent meeting. The Pelicans struggled against the Lakers on Tuesday besides Williamson's 40 points, as another home disappointment could be in the works for New Orleans.

With the final playoff spot on the line, an upset at Smoothie King Center could be brewing.

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