BREAKING: Zion Williamson's Updated Injury Status for Pelicans-Timberwolves

New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson has an updated injury status against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Dec 11, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) dribbles against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) during the second half at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images / Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

The New Orleans Pelicans look for their longest winning streak of the season when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night. New Orleans tied their season-high with two consecutive victories after defeating the Washington Wizards on Friday and Sunday.

The Pelicans announced some exciting news on Monday when Zion Williamson was upgraded to questionable on the injury report. Williamson has missed the last 27 games with a hamstring strain he suffered against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The two-time All-Star was ruled out indefinitely, and the return timeline was undetermined.

On Tuesday, the team revealed a major update.

Nov 1, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) dunks the ball against Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. / Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Williamson has been upgraded to available for the first time since November 6.

Via Pelicans: "Zion is back! He is available for tonight's Pelicans game vs the Timberwolves (7 pm CT)."

Zion is back! 💪

He is available for tonight's #Pelicans game vs the Timberwolves (7 pm CT) 🏀 pic.twitter.com/Ra6np3QwxR

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) January 7, 2025

Williamson spent some time away from the team recovering before returning to attend games and start the ramp-up process at the team facility. New Orleans released their injury report for Tuesday's game, and the former No. 1 overall pick is listed as questionable for the matchup.

Last week, Williamson started working through non-contact drills and some individual shooting. On Monday, the two-time all-star went through his first 5-on-5 practice. Coach Willie Green told reporters that after practice, there was a "chance" that Williamson could play this week.

Zion Williamson DOMINANT and EFFICIENT in the @PelicansNBA 3rd win of the year!

💪 34 PTS (16 in 4Q)
💪 10 AST
💪 14-20 FGM (70.0 FG%)
💪 6 REB

It's his first career game with 30+ PTS and 10+ AST 👏 pic.twitter.com/mhTh3qYcn0

— NBA (@NBA) November 2, 2024

The former Duke standout has a lengthy history of hamstring injuries, so he will most likely be on a minutes restriction in his return.

The interesting thing will be how much Williamson plays before the February trade deadline. Many assume that his teammate, Brandon Ingram, will be traded by next month. That signals the team's intent to build itself around Williamson in the future. Because of injury, Zion and the newest addition, Dejounte Murray, have not played together this season. The Pelicans can get a proper assessment of how they need to build a winner around Williamson.

Tip-off for Tuesday's game is set for 7:00 p.m. CST.

Related Articles

Zion Williamson Gets Brutally Honest After Blowout Loss to Warriors

New Orleans Pelicans Make Roster Move After Loss to Warriors

Brandon Ingram's Honest Statement on Pelicans' Loss to Warriors