New Orleans Pelicans star forward Zion Williamson was diagnosed with a fractured left ring finger and will be sidelined indefinitely, the team announced Friday.
The Pelicans said the severity of the injury was detected during a CT scan. A timetable for his return will be revealed after further evaluation.
Williamson underwent a “series of diagnostic testing” on Thursday prior to the team’s departure for Friday’s game at the Philadelphia 76ers.
The timing of the injury could be a big hindrance as New Orleans (30-36) attempts to chase down the San Antonio Spurs (31-34) for the final play-in spot in the Western Conference. San Antonio has lost five straight entering Friday’s road game against the Sacramento Kings.
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The Pelicans have six games remaining, starting with Friday’s contest in Philadelphia.
Williamson, who made the All-Star Game this season, is averaging 27 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 61 games. He was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.
The 20-year-old recorded 23 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists and four steals in 37 minutes when the Pelicans beat the Golden State Warriors 108-103 on Tuesday.
Williamson was injured in the third quarter after battling two Warriors for a rebound and immediately grabbing the finger before receiving treatment from a trainer. He returned to finish the game.
Brandon Ingram (ankle) also will sit out Friday.
Ingram, a 2020 All-Star Game participant, is averaging 23.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.9 assists in 61 games (all starts) this season.
–Field Level Media