The Pelicans are hot, and Zion Williamson is back in town.
The star forward returned to New Orleans to rejoin the team as he continues to work back from a foot injury that has kept him off the floor for the entirety of his third NBA season, according to reports. There's still no established return date, but he's now been cleared for a return to "weight-bearing" activities, a positive sign for an eventual return.
The star forward flew back to New Orleans on Friday to rejoin the team, but won't be with the Pelicans on their upcoming road trip, according to a report from Christian Clark of NOLA.com.
Williamson had relocated to Portland for his rehab earlier in the year, with near-constant noise surrounding his absence and ultimate desire to remain with the Pelicans. Whatever the truth surrounding his feelings about the team, the group on the floor has done its job to make sure the team he returns to is in excellent position. The Pelicans announced earlier in the week that his rehab had progressed and his foot had shown improved healing, portending a gradual return to the floor.
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After the 3-16 start to the year, the Pelicans have clawed back to a record of 27-36 and in sole possession of the 10th and final playoff seed with 19 games left to play. After some difficulties following the trade for CJ McCollum, the Pelicans have reeled off four consecutive and convincing victories following the All-Star Break with wins over multiple Western Conference powers including the Phoenix Suns, L.A. Lakers and Utah Jazz, the latter of which was a straight-up, 34-point demolition of Utah that was never close.
While there's still little breathing room ahead of the Blazers in the 11 seed, there's a runway for the Pelicans to continue moving up the standings board, though they appear capped for a play-in appearance of some form. They currently trail the Lakers for the 9th seed by just a half-game, but are 6 games behind the Clippers in 8th, and 7.5 games behind the Timberwolves. The Denver Nuggets, whom the Pelicans match up with next, appear uncatchable with a 10-game cushion and just 19 games remaining.
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Regardless, playoff basketball appears set to happen for New Orleans. Will Zion be on the floor when it does?