Zion Williamson injury update: Probable return timeline for Pelicans star explored

Zion Williamson could return to action this week, according to New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green, The Athletic's Will Guillory reported. Green revealed the status of his recovery after practice on Monday.

Green shared that Zion took part in 5-on-5 drills. This was his first since the injury and there was "a chance" he could take the court for the Pelicans this week.

The Pelicans have back-to-back home games, hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday and the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday. It’s unlikely that New Orleans would play Williamson in both games. The Pels begin a three-game road swing on Friday at the Philadelphia 76ers.

Williamson suffered a strained left hamstring against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Nov. 6. As a result, he has missed the last 27 games.

In his prolonged absence, the Pelicans have suffered. The Pelicans have the worst record in the Western Conference (7-29) after winning three games in their last 20.

Williamson has had his fair share of injuries since joining the NBA in 2019. Throughout his tenure in the league, he has missed than half of his team's games.

The former No. 1 draft pick, in his six games played this season, has averaged 22.7 points, 8.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game. Additionally, he has shot 45.2% from the field and 33.3% from the 3-point line.

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What next for Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans?

Zion Williamson's imminent return couldn't come at a much better moment. The Pelicans have some success, winning their last two games: the 132-120 home win against the Washington Wizards on Friday and the 110-98 win against the Wizards on the road.

Zion Williamson - Source: Imagn

However, NBA personality Bill Simmons made waves with a mock trade that sends Zion to the Miami Heat as part of a complex deal that sends star Jimmy Butler to the Memphis Grizzlies.

Up next for the Pelicans is a home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday. Tipoff is slated for 8 p.m. ET. Whether Zion will make his long awaited return remains unclear but the Pelicans will want to not rush it to avoid aggravating the injury-prone star.