Pelicans’ Zion Williamson Sustains Hip Injury

New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson has sustained a hip injury that could force him to miss games.

The injuries are piling up for the New Orleans Pelicans, with Zion Williamson becoming the latest victim. Per Shams Charania of The Athletic, Zion has sustained a posterior hip contusion during a game against the Utah Jazz. It happened in the fourth quarter of that Utah game when Zion’s transition dunk attempt was blocked by Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson. Zion, who didn’t expect the Clarkson block, fell awkwardly to the ground and was immediately in a heap of pain. Zion didn’t return to the game, and the Pelicans lost a 122-121 overtime decision to the Jazz.

It remains to be seen if Zion will sit out their upcoming match against Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday. The team is hoping that he’ll recover by then, especially with Brandon Ingram already being placed under the NBA’s concussion protocol. If Zion and Ingram miss the Mavericks contest, the Pelicans’ depth will be tested, with the likes of CJ McCollum, Jonas Valanciunas, and Devonte’ Graham taking charge of the offense.

Zion Williamson, the first overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, is putting up a decent stat line of 22.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 2.0 steals this season. It’s still early in the year, but it looks like Zion is looking and moving better on both ends of the floor. He’s obviously in better shape, although Pelicans fans are hoping that he won’t sustain any long-term injuries that will hinder his progress.

Coming off his first All-Star appearance, Zion should be able to replicate his stellar numbers last season. Health will be an important factor for him though, especially with the Pelicans primed for a deeper push in the playoffs this year.