The Pelicans have clinched, at least, an appearance in the NBA's play-in tournament, but it remains unclear whether they can expect to have star Zion Williamson the rest of the way.
The young forward was set to be reassessed as he aims to return from a hamstring injury that has kept him off the court since Jan. 2, but Thursday's update was vague on any real details.
"After further evaluation, it has been determined that Zion Williamson will continue his rehabilitation and conditioning regimen," the update read, attributed to EVP David Griffin. "We will continue to monitor his progression, and updates will be provided as warranted.”
Previous updates have listed a date for his next evaluation, but that is not the case this time. The team has managed to right the ship after a steep descent down the Western Conference standings, winning eight of its past 10 games and currently sits in the No. 8 spot with just two games to play (vs Knicks on Friday; at Timberwolves on Sunday). New Orleans has clinched at least the No. 9 seed and a play-in spot, but still have a chance to climb as high as No. 5 depending on how the results shake out. New Orleans is tied with the Lakers -- though they lose the tiebreaker -- at 41-39, with the Warriors and Clippers each at 42-38, with the Pelicans owning the tiebreaker over both teams. The Timberwolves at 40-40 represent the only team that could still pass them in the standings.
It's most likely the Pelicans land in the play-in field, so here's a refresher on how that works:
Seeds 7-10 participate. The 7 seed will host the 8 seed, with the winner advancing to the postseason as the 7 seed. The 9 seed will host the 10 seed, with the loser eliminated. The loser of the 7-8 game will then host the winner of the 9-10 game, with the winner of that game advancing to the first round of the postseason as the 8 seed. It's a similar road the Pelicans traveled last season, when they entered as the 9 and defeated the Spurs and Clippers to qualify for a first-round series against the top-seeded Phoenix Suns.
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Williamson's availability as the postseason arrives has been a constant question, but the latest update is not particularly inspiring. The 4th-year forward has been ascendant when on the floor, averaging 26 points, 7 rebounds and 4.6 assists over his 29 games played, a run that was good enough to earn his first bid as an All-Star starter, although he did not play in the game. The Pelicans were 23-14 prior to his injury.
Brandon Ingram and Trey Murphy have each upped their games in recent weeks to help propel the Pelicans back into the playoff field. At this point, the group on the floor appears to be the group that will have to keep getting it done.
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