Pelicans’ Zion Williamson out at least 2 more weeks

NEW ORLEANS(AP) — Zion Williamson will be sidelined for at least two moreweeks while the New Orleans Pelicans monitor the All-Star forward’srecovery from a right hamstring injury that occurred more than twomonths ago, the club announced Wednesday night.

Recentmedical imaging “revealed that Williamson’s hamstring continues toheal,” a statement released by the club said. “His next examinationwill take place in approximately two weeks.”

After thatnext examination, the Pelicans will have 10 games left in theregular season.

New Orleansis 8-20 since Williamson’s injury on Jan. 2 and entered Wednesdaynight’s action in a three-way tie for 10th place in the WesternConference with a record of 31-34.

Now thePelicans must play at least their next seven games without the6-foot-6, 285-pound Williamson, who has averaged 26 points andseven rebounds in 29 games this season.

“My firstthought is always for Z. It’s been tough dealing with the hamstringand working to get himself back and kind of having the same issueagain,” Pelicans coach Willie Green said, alluding to a setbackWilliamson had in his recovery shortly before the All-Stargame.

For the restof the guys, we know where we are. Guys have to step up,” Greensaid. “It’s go time for us.”

Green saidWilliamson has been building strength, performing pool workouts andspot shooting on the court.

“So, he’sprogressing, but we’re extremely mindful of last time he got to sixweeks and he wasn’t quote ready,” Green added.

Drafted firstoverall out of Duke in 2019, Williamson missed all of the 2021-22season with a foot injury and most of his rookie season with a kneeinjury.

Since turningpro, he has played in a combined total of 114 games out of 292regular season games and none of New Orleans’ eight postseasongames.

Last summer,Williamson signed five-year rookie max extension with New Orleanswith a value ranging between $193 million and $231 million, basedon incentives.