Pelicans to rest Zion Williamson (hamstring) vs. Trail Blazers

The New Orleans Pelicans have ruled out Zion Williamson for their game Wednesday night against the visiting Portland Trail Blazers as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury.

Williamson scored 22 points Tuesday in his return from a 27-game absence due to a strained left hamstring. He added six rebounds, four assists and three steals in 28 minutes in the 104-97 home loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Williamson said after the game, "I definitely feel like my legs are already under me." However, he said he wasn't sure if he would be well enough to play on consecutive nights.

Before Tuesday, he had not played since a 131-122 home loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Nov. 6.

New Orleans selected Williamson out of Duke with the top overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. His time with the Pelicans has been marked by multiple injuries, starting with a torn meniscus during the preseason of his rookie year.

The two-time All-Star has played in just seven games this season, averaging 22.6 points, 7.7 rebounds and 5.1 assists.

Williamson has played in 191 career games (all starts) over five seasons, while also missing the entire 2021-22 campaign. He has career averages of 24.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists.

Prior to the loss on Tuesday, the Pelicans had won two straight games for the first time since the first two games of the season. The Pelicans occupy the bottom spot in the Western Conference with a 7-30 record.

--Field Level Media