Zion Williamson left Tuesday's NBA Play-In Tournament game against the Los Angeles Lakers with what appeared to be an injury.
With the Pelicans down 93-95 and 3:19 to-go in the fourth quarter, Williamson drove to the basket and scored against Anthony Davis to tie the score at 95. However, he appeared to grimacing as he headed to the Pelicans bench during the ensuing timeout.
Zion Williamson was not happy as he headed to the locker roompic.twitter.com/hhy0cSZz9y
— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) April 17, 2024
Replays on the broadcast showed a visibly frustrated Williamson toss his towel and head to the Pelicans locker room during the break. Williamson did not return to the game, and the Pelicans fell to the Lakers in a 110-106 loss despite Williamson scoring 40 points in the game.
After the game, head coach Willie Green told reporters that Williamson would be evaluated on Wednesday, but he couldn't say exactly what caused Williamson to leave the game.
"I couldn't tell. I don't know if it was a knee or foot. Tomorrow, I'm sure I'll have more of an update of what's going on with him."
Pelicans HC Willie Green with an update on Zion's injury pic.twitter.com/TRfda8D3CA
— NBA TV (@NBATV) April 17, 2024
The injury puts the Pelicans' playoff hopes in serious jeopardy. The Pelicans entered the postseason with -500 odds to make the playoffs and +360 odds to miss. They still have a chance to clinch a playoff spot if they can pick up a win at home on Friday night against the winner of the Warriors vs. Kings Play-In Tournament matchup.
However, with Brandon Ingram working his way into shape after missing nearly a month with a knee injury, any significant injury to Williamson would be a tough pill to swallow for the Pelicans.
