NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Zion Williamson is anticipated to be out not less than two extra weeks following a latest re-evaluation of his proper hamstring harm, the Pelicans mentioned Tuesday night time.
Williamson seems to be “therapeutic as anticipated” from the Jan. 2 harm and “making good progress together with his restoration,” the membership mentioned, however must proceed strengthening his hamstring and regularly progress to extra motion.
He’d missed 10 video games heading into Tuesday night time’s contest towards Denver for the Pelicans, who’ve misplaced 4 straight and have gone 3-7 with out him.
Within the 29 video games Williamson has performed, he’s averaged 26 factors, seven rebounds, and 4.6 assists — and New Orleans is 17-12.
Pelicans coach Willie Inexperienced known as the replace on Williamson is “completely” optimistic.
“The therapeutic progress goes accordingly,” Inexperienced mentioned, including that Williamson will quickly start restricted on-court work once more.
“Step one is that he’ll be capable of be on the court docket however extra stationary capturing, stationary ball-handling — somewhat motion so far as off the court docket.”
Inexperienced additionally mentioned high-scoring wing participant Brandon Ingram was not fairly prepared to return again towards the Nuggets from a big left toe harm and would miss his twenty ninth straight sport.
The Pelicans play once more at residence Wednesday night time towards Minnesota, and Inexperienced mentioned the workers was “undoubtedly hopeful” Ingram would attempt to play in that sport.
Missing Ingram and Williamson within the lineup has been an element the group’s latest efficiency, however not all the time an overriding one.
“If we care for the basketball that’s extra alternatives for factors,” Inexperienced mentioned, alluding to New Orleans’ 25 turnovers in a 100-96 at Miami.
“Our offense is okay if we proceed to belief each other,” Inexperienced added. “Having guys out undoubtedly places some stress on guys to really feel they need to do extra, however the ‘extra’ is rebounding, deflections, taking costs, extra passes to one another.”
Inexperienced mentioned Naji Marshall, who has an injured proper giant toe, additionally was unable to play towards Denver.
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