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Andrew LopezESPN
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson, who has been out since Jan. 2 with a right hamstring strain, is progressing with his rehabilitation and will be re-evaluated again in two weeks, the team said Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans could also get Brandon Ingram, their other All-Star forward who hasn’t played since Nov. 25 because of a left big toe contusion, back very soon.
The Pelicans said Williamson’s hamstring is healing as expected and that his rehabilitation process, which includes strengthening his hamstring and gradually progressing to more movement, will continue.
“The healing process is going accordingly and we’ll continue to progress from there,” Pelicans coach Willie Green said prior to Tuesday’s 99-98 loss to the Denver Nuggets.
Williamson is averaging 26.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.1 steals per game this season. He’s shooting 60.8% from the field and 71.4% from the line.
He has played in only 29 games this season for New Orleans, having also missed time for a lower back/right hip contusion, a right foot contusion and because of health and safety protocols.
Ingram, meanwhile, could return on Wednesday night when the Pelicans host the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Green wouldn’t fully commit to Ingram playing against the Wolves but was optimistic.
“We’re hopeful,” Green said. “I can’t give you a 100% definite, but we’re definitely hopeful. We’re gonna continue to look at him and the work he’s doing and then give you guys an update when we can.”
The Pelicans are 7-9 this season without both Williamson and Ingram in the lineup. New Orleans is 26-22 overall and fourth in the Western Conference but have dropped 10 of their last 13 games and lost five in a row.