Zion Williamson return: Latest update on Pelicans' star comeback from injury by Shams Charania

Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans has not played a game since Jan. 2 against the Philadelphia 76ers. Williamson has been dealing with a right hamstring strain and remains out indefinitely with two more games left in the regular season.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Williamson continues to rehab his injury. The Pelicans have been very cautious regarding their superstar forward's recovery. Charania noted that Williamson will likely be unavailable for New Orleans when the play-in tournament starts next week.

Zion Williamson has played in just 29 games this season, averaging 26.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 4.6 apg and 1.1 spg. Williamson has played in 114 regular-season games during his four-year NBA career. He missed all of last season with a foot injury.

Despite being plagued by injuries this season, Williamson was still named an All-Star. The New Orleans Pelicans were among the best teams in the league before Williamson suffered the injury.

Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin also released an update regarding Williamson's recovery. The 22-year-old forward was evaluated and it was determined that he's not ready to return.

"After further evaluation, it has been determined that Zion Williamson will continue his rehabilitation and conditioning regimen," Griffin said. "We will continue to monitor his progression and updates will be provided as warranted."

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Impact of Zion Williamson's injury to the New Orleans Pelicans

Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans

Zion Williamson injured his right hamstring in the third quarter of the New Orleans Pelicans' game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Jan. 2. The Pelicans had a 23-14 record when Williamson suffered the injury and were third in the Western Conference standings.

However, Brandon Ingram was also plagued by injuries at the same time as Williamson. The Pelicans went on to struggle in the absence of their two best players. They were 10-23 during one of their worst stretches of the season before turning things around on March 17.

The Pelicans are 8-3 in their past 11 games and could certainly make it to the play-in tournament. Ingram has been on a roll recently, averaging 28.8 ppg, 6.3 rpg and 8.7 apg in his past 10 contests.

The best-case scenario for the New Orleans Pelicans is making the playoffs without the play-in tournament. It will all depend on the final few days of the regular season and results from other teams.

New Orleans was the surprise team of the playoffs last year, making life hard for the top-seeded Phoenix Suns in the first round. If the Pelicans can make the postseason, Williamson's potential return could be a difference maker against the top teams in the West.