Zion Williamson’s Road to Recovery: Will he Return for the Playoffs?
An Overview of Zion Williamson’s Injury and Rehabilitation Journey
Zion Williamson, the former #1 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, has unfortunately spent more time off the court due to injuries than actually playing for the New Orleans Pelicans. This season, he hasn’t been able to step onto the court even for a single game. However, there is still hope among loyal fans that he might make a comeback before the playoffs, particularly with the Western Conference play-in tournament on the horizon.
The Current Playoff Standings for the Pelicans
At the moment, the Pelicans hold the #10 seed in the Western Conference playoff standings, with a record of 30-42. With only 10 games remaining in the regular season, they maintain a 1.5-game lead over the San Antonio Spurs, who are nipping at their heels on the bubble. Additionally, the Portland Trail Blazers are just three games behind the Pelicans, making the race for the play-in tournament highly competitive and intense.
The Challenging Road to Recovery: Dealing with a Fractured Foot
Last summer, Zion suffered a fractured right foot during offseason workouts, which immediately put his return to the court in question. The Pelicans initially hoped he would be ready soon after the season began, but unfortunately, his foot injury didn’t heal as quickly as anticipated, resulting in a delayed return.
In December, there was a glimmer of hope as Zion was cleared for light practice. However, this moment of optimism was short-lived when he experienced a setback in his rehabilitation. He started to feel pain and swelling in his right foot, leading to further complications. Despite receiving an injection to expedite the healing process, the desired results weren’t achieved, and his return date was pushed back indefinitely.
After two months without significant improvement, Zion sought the advice of a specialist and contemplated a second surgery in February. This decision was a pivotal one, as undergoing another surgery would effectively rule him out for both the remainder of the regular season and the playoffs.
The Fallout and Speculation Surrounding Zion’s Rehabilitation
During his absence, there was criticism from his former teammate, JJ Redick, who voiced his discontent with Zion’s lack of involvement as a teammate. It became apparent that Zion had spent the last two months rehabbing in Portland rather than being at the practice facility or traveling with the Pelicans for road games. While every player has their own unique approach to recovery, some may prefer to maintain close contact with their team and teammates. Zion’s decision to keep his distance from the organization fueled rumors and speculation about his future with the Pelicans.
A Potential Glimmer of Hope: Zion’s Return to New Orleans
However, recent developments indicate a possible change of direction. Zion has returned to New Orleans to continue his rehabilitation, signaling a renewed commitment to his recovery process. The Pelicans have expressed their desire for Zion to play a few regular-season games before the playoffs commence with the play-in tournament. However, he has yet to receive clearance for full practice sessions. Even if he does return to full-contact practice in the near future, it will take some time for him to regain his conditioning and get back into game shape.
New Orleans head coach Willie Green acknowledges the importance of caution throughout Zion’s rehabilitation journey. The healing process is ongoing, and the team wants to ensure he reaches optimal health before allowing him to fully ramp up his activities. Despite the uncertainties, there is a sense of relief and encouragement seeing Zion back on the court, even if it’s just for one-on-one drills with assistant coach Corey Brewer. Some impressive dunks during these sessions have even made their way onto Zion’s Instagram, exciting fans who eagerly await his return to game action.
The Playoff Push: Pelicans vs. Lakers
The battle for a playoff spot intensifies as the Pelicans inch closer to the struggling Los Angeles Lakers, who currently hold the #9 seed. With only a half-game separating the two teams, securing the #9 seed would grant the Pelicans the advantage of hosting the #10 seed in a single game. The winner of that game would then face the loser of the #7 vs. #8 game for a chance to grab the final spot in the playoffs.
The Pelicans have 10 more games remaining in the regular season, while the Lakers have nine. This tight race adds to the drama and excitement of the Western Conference playoff bubble.
Will the New Orleans Pelicans Secure a Playoff Spot?
If the Pelicans succeed in winning the play-in tournament, they will earn the #8 seed and face the top-seeded Phoenix Suns in the first round of the playoffs. The question on everyone’s mind is whether the Pelicans have what it takes to make a postseason run.
According to DraftKings, the odds are stacked against the Pelicans, with “no” being the favorite option at -500 odds, while “yes” pays out at +330. FiveThirtyEight’s projections estimate the Pelicans have a 27% chance of qualifying for the playoffs. However, their chances of winning the Western Conference and advancing to the NBA Finals are a mere 0.07%. In fact, their odds of winning the NBA championship are an astronomical 0.02%.
DraftKings considers the Pelicans a long shot with +40000 odds to win the 2022 NBA Championship, making it clear that their playoff aspirations face significant challenges ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When did Zion Williamson sustain his foot injury?
Zion Williamson suffered a fractured foot during offseason workouts last summer, which has kept him off the court for the entire season.
2. Has Zion participated in any practice sessions or games this season?
No, Zion Williamson has not been able to participate in any practice sessions or games this season due to his foot injury.
3. What are the chances of the New Orleans Pelicans making the playoffs?
According to FiveThirtyEight, the Pelicans have a 27% chance of making the playoffs this season.
4. Will Zion Williamson be able to play in the play-in tournament?
The possibility of Zion Williamson playing in the play-in tournament remains uncertain, as he has yet to be cleared for regular practice sessions.
5. What are the odds of the Pelicans winning the NBA championship?
DraftKings currently lists the Pelicans as long shots with +40000 odds to win the 2022 NBA Championship.
