Zion Williamson injury status for Pelicans vs Knicks

The New Orleans Pelicans return home after a disappointing road trip to face the New York Knicks. New Orleans has struggled mightily on the road this season, winning just one game away from the Smoothie King Center. Overall, the Pelicans are 5-23 on the year, the worst record in the Western Conference.

A major reason for the Pelicans’ struggles was the unavailability of their best players. That trend continues as the team released its injury report for Saturday, with star forward Zion Williamson remaining out with a hamstring injury.

Williamson has appeared in six games this season, averaging 22.7 points, eight rebounds and 5.3 assists. He is shooting a career-low 45.2% from the field. Many hoped he could build on his success last season, when he appeared in a career-high 70 games. But another injury-plagued year has people questioning his future in New Orleans.

Zion signed a five-year extension in 2022, with the contract stipulating that Williamson maintain a certain weight for incentive. The contract also contained language he needed to meet specific game availability requirements for guaranteed money. If he didn’t, much of his contract would be non-guaranteed. New Orleans could then theoretically release him without a significant financial hit.

A recent report suggested Williamson could be moved soon, with the Pelicans’ abysmal start prompting them to look to the future. New Orleans is reportedly open to exploring trade talks with everyone on the team except Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones and Yves Missi. What value Williamson has on the open market, given his injury history, remains to be seen.

Tip-Off for Saturday’s game is set for 19.00

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