The New Orleans Pelicans are going through a rough patch amid the heated playoff race. They lost their third straight game tonight after getting blown out by the Orlando Magic. Following tonight’s 108-117 loss, the Pelicans are still stuck at the 6th spot in the Western Conference standings with a 45-31 record. A major reason for their disappointing performance could be attributed to the sudden mid-game departure of Zion Williamson.

While New Orleans struggled to make a comeback, Williamson sat out the final 7:24 minutes of the game due to a finger injury. He initially hurt his finger during a block attempt early in the game and later reaggravated it on a dunk in the 4th quarter. Zion clocked in only 29 minutes, finishing with 15 points, 5 assists, and 2 rebounds. The power forward’s injury raised major concerns for the Pelicans as he was spotted wearing a wrap around his finger during the post-game conference. The severity of his injury is unknown, and it is uncertain if he will be available for Friday’s game against the San Antonio Spurs.

Due to Zion’s reduced playing time, he scored less than 20 points for the first time in his last 6 appearances. He has played at an All-Star level all season, averaging 22.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5 assists. The Pelicans cannot afford to lose Zion to an injury at this stage considering they are already dealing with multiple injuries. Zion’s teammates Brandon Ingram and Jose Alvarado have also been out of the lineup for multiple games.

Brandon Ingram has not suited up for the Pelicans since March 21 due to a left knee bone contusion he suffered during their previous encounter against Orlando. The Pelicans are also missing Jose Alvarado, who sat out his 4th straight game tonight due to a right oblique strain.

Can Zion Williamson continue his healthiest run with the Pelicans?

Zion Williamson’s career has been plagued by injuries since he entered the league. He played only 24 games in his rookie season because he underwent surgery to treat a meniscus tear in his right knee. Williamson showed glimpses of stardom in that limited time by averaging 22.5 points as a 19-year-old rookie. After getting his first All-Star nod in his sophomore season, Zion suffered a devastating foot injury that caused him to miss the entire 2021-22 season. He returned last season but only played 29 games the entire year.

After years of heartbreaking injuries, Zion is having the healthiest season of his NBA career in 2024. He played his 65th game of the season tonight, fulfilling the 65-game criteria to become eligible for the regular season awards. But Zion’s finger injury could put his most durable season in jeopardy.

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Had the Pelicans defeated the Magic tonight, they would have surpassed the Dallas Mavericks to take the 5th seed. With the Kings, Suns, and Lakers only 1 win behind the Pelicans, Zion Williamson and Co. might be forced to participate in the play-in tournament to qualify for the playoffs. With only 6 games remaining in the regular season, every game is crucial for the Pelicans to keep their playoff dreams alive. The team will hope for Zion Williamson’s return to dominance as the persisting situation continues to demand a challenge.

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