NEW Orleans (AP) — In a huge boost for the New Orleans Pelicans, power forward Zion Williamson was officially declared fit to make his long-awaited return to the floor against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night. This comes after spending 27 games on the sidelines due to a strained left hamstring, a period which tested the team’s resilience.
“Zion is a key player on the court, and everyone knows his presence automatically elevates the team dynamic,” Pelicans coach Willie Green said optimistically before kickoff. “His unique ability to attack the basket and create open scoring opportunities injects a dose of energy into our game, and we are excited to have him back in the lineup. When he is healthy, our chances of victory increases considerably.”
This season has already been difficult for Williamson, who has appeared in just six of the Pelicans’ 36 games, averaging an impressive 22.7 points, eight rebounds and 5.3 assists per game. As the Pelicans prepared to face the Timberwolves on Tuesday night, they were 2-4 when Williamson was on the court, contrasting sharply with a dismal 5-25 in his absence, including a rough 4-23 stretch during of the last 27 matches.
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Williamson’s return coincides with the Pelicans’ quest for their third straight victory, having recently secured victories against the struggling Washington Wizards (6-27), who held the worst record in the NBA heading into Tuesday’s games.
Looking ahead, the Pelicans are scheduled to face the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night. However, Coach Green remained cautious about whether Williamson would be available for this back-to-back game as he continues his recovery journey.
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