Zion Williamson‘s injury continues to affect the New Orleans Pelicans. The instances have been a constant for the power forward for a better part of the season and by extension, of his career. However, the most recent one, suffered in the matchup against the Lakers could prove to be heavier for the team.

Zion was having a dominant run against the Lakers, posting 40 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists in 36 minutes. Unfortunately, he was subbed off because of a hamstring injury in the final minutes. His performance left everyone in obvious awe. OchoCinco, co-host of the show ‘Nightcap’ highlighted this very impact, in the recent episode.

Cinco said, “If Zion doesn’t go out early, I don’t know if the Lakers don’t get away with that one. That boy was playing some ball!” It was preceded by Shannon Sharpe — notably LeBron James’ biggest supporter — exclaiming, “man… I was nervous.” Zion’s presence in the final minutes of the game would have helped the Pelicans who lost 110-106.

Shanon Sharpe further raised questions about Williamson’s health. He criticized the Pelicans for building a team around a player who frequently misses matches because of injury. In the last 5 NBA seasons, he has played only 144 games out of a possible 410, missing around 65% of his potential games. However, OchoCinco stepped in to highlight the brilliance of it. “How many players in the NBA can come in and play a game and just at any point drop 40 like it’s nothing.” 

Following his finger injury suffered early this month, Williamson now suffers with hamstring injury that sidelines him for at least 2 weeks. While he recovers, the Pelicans prep to face the Kings in one final battle for the playoffs.

Pelicans look ahead to face the Kings

The New Orleans Pelicans will now face a tough matchup against the Sacramento Kings without their star player. The responsibility now lies on CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram. Averaging 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game this season, with a wing-span of 7′ 3″, Ingram has helped the team with the offense, towering tall over the opponents’ smaller defenders. CJ McCollum, on the other hand, averaging 20.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game, has been a reliable presence on the defensive end.

With that and a 5-game clean sweep against the Kings this season, Pelicans have a crucial yet favorable task ahead. “Obviously a tough loss for us. We’ve got to feel this one tonight and regroup and get ready for another one,” coach Willie Green said following the loss against the Lakers. A positive outlook for the Pelicans is what the sings seem to be pointing towards. And if it falls well, they face, the no.1 seeded and well in form, OKC Thunder.

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