The New Orleans Pelicans have fallen down to the 7th spot in the Western Conference holding onto a 30-29 record. Clearly, Willie Green’s boys have been struggling. However, the Louisiana-based franchise was a top-3 seed side with a healthy Zion Williamson on the lineup.
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Since the former Duke Blue Devil went down with a hamstring injury against the 76ers, NOLA has failed to replicate their success from earlier in the campaign. In these 22 games without the 6-foot-6 forward, the Pels have a 7-15 record.
New Orleans Pelicans since Zion Williamson got injured:
— 7-15 Record (.318 Win%)
— 22nd in Offense
— 14th in Defense
— 14th in FG%
— 26th in 3P%
— 25th in Net RatingThey were top 10 in all those categories before Zion got hurt.. pic.twitter.com/hwUQCpkpu2
— NBA Muse (@NBAMuse24) February 15, 2023
Prior to sustaining the injury, Williamson was playing some of the most dominant basketball across the league. Playing 33 MPG, the 284-pound beast averaged 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game.
As a reward, Zanos was named an All-Star starter. However, amid injury concerns, fans wonder whether or not their 2-time All-Star will be suiting up for the prestigious exhibition game.
Also Read: Zion Williamson and Ja Morant Reveal Their Future Slam Dunk Contest Plans
Is Zion Williamson going to suit up for his 2nd All-Star appearance?
At first, David Griffin and co. revealed that their power forward would be missing merely 3-4 weeks of the season. However, a few days back, by re-aggravating the injury the front office disclosed that the 22-year-old would be sidelined for multiple more weeks.
Breaking: Zion Williamson re-aggravated his hamstring injury, and he’s looking at missing multiple weeks. He will be re-evaluated after the All-Star break, per GM David Griffin. pic.twitter.com/GLiKwFSfGl
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 12, 2023
Unfortunately, NOLA supporters won’t be able to witness Zion throw down some exciting dunks at the Vivint Arena.
As a replacement, the league has named Utah’s Lauri Markkanen as a starter for the matchup.
The Finnish big man has been having himself a solid campaign. In the midst of the best season of his career, the 7-footer has been averaging 24.9/8.6/1.8.
Joel Embiid, Lauri Markkanen and Ja Morant were named starters for the All-Star Game, the NBA announced.
Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and Zion Williamson will not play due to injury. pic.twitter.com/hGIvLe07Ng
— ESPN (@espn) February 10, 2023
Until Zanos remains sidelined, the likes of Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum will have to step up big-time and help NOLA rise up the standings.
Also Read: ‘Fat’ Zion Williamson was Once Called out by ‘Predator’ Karl Malone for Fitness Issues