When is Zion Williamson returning from injury for Pelicans? Looking at his evaluation and probable time of return

Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans could be making his return sometime in the near future, according to Shams Charania. Williamson has played in just 29 games this season, last appearing on January 2 against the Philadelphia 76ers.

New Orleans has had an interesting season. After impressing in the postseason a year ago, many thought that they would be in a good spot this year. However, injuries have hurt their chances of being an elite team.

With Zion Williamson possibly returning, they're hopeful they can be ready for the playoffs and play their best basketball when it matters most.

Shams Charania had the following to say about Zion:

"Zion Williamson is doing more on the court. He's progressing to one on ones, and after that, I think continuing to do more contact. There's a natural progression with Zion Williamson we've seen the past couple of years anytime he deals with injuries, one-on-ones, two-on-twos, continuing to progress in contact and having no setbacks through that"

He added:

"They have to make sure he's 100% physically condition-wise when he gets back on the floor. Assuming there's no setbacks, they're going to reevaluate him next week."

Zion Williamson and the Pelicans will now look to make a return sometime in the next two weeks. The Pelicans sit in eighth place in the Western Conference, just one game ahead of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks and need to find a way to stay afloat heading into the final few weeks of the regular season.

Looking ahead, the last six games of the year are tough for New Orleans. They will play the Denver Nuggets, LA Clippers, Sacramento Kings, Memphis Grizzlies, New York Knicks, and Minnesota Timberwolves. These are six tough opponents and it makes sense that they need Zion for those games.