The best game of Zion Williamson’s young professional career ended abruptly, and in unfortunate fashion.
The 23-year-old forward scored a game-high 40 points for the Pelicans in their Play-In game against the Lakers.
But late in the fourth quarter of Williamson’s sterling postseason debut, he appeared to be in pain after scoring a clutch bucket to tie the score. Moments later, he went to the locker room as LA called a timeout. He missed the final three minutes of the 110-106 loss.
Williamson’s first postseason game came after he appeared in a career-high 70 games for New Orleans during the regular season. That he missed the final minutes of a crucial game is a concerning development, for Williamson and for his team.
The Pelicans have one more chance to qualify for the NBA Playoffs. They’ll face the winner of Tuesday’s Warriors-Kings matchup in an elimination game Friday.
Here is what we know about Williamson’s injury and what it means for his status moving forward.
MORE: Recap, highlights from Lakers’ thrilling Play-In win over Pelicans
What is Zion Williamson’s injury?
Williamson is dealing with “left leg soreness,” per Pelicans head coach Willie Green. The 23-year-old will undergo imaging on his leg Wednesday to determine the extent of the injury.
Here is the play in which Williamson appeared to injure his left leg.
How long will Zion Williamson be out?
Williamson’s status moving forward is dependent on the severity of his injury.
The imaging that Williamson undergoes Wednesday will determine New Orleans’ plan of action moving forward in the postseason. The Pelicans have two days off before playing in their final Play-In Tournament game on Friday, April 19.
Pelicans Play-In Tournament schedule
New Orleans will host the winner of the Play-In Tournament Game between the No. 9 seed Kings and the No. 10 seed Warriors. The tipoff time has not yet been announced.
| Date | Opponent | TIme (ET) | TV channel |
| April 19 | vs. Kings/Warriors | TBA | TBA |
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