The New Orleans Pelicans are shutting down Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum for the rest of the season, the team announced on Monday.
McCollum was suffered a right foot bone contusion on March 23 in a loss to the Detroit Pistons while Williamson sustained a low back bone contusion after falling in a win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 19. Both players have been out since going down with their respective injuries and are set to continue a recovery plan that includes rest and treatment.
The news comes with New Orleans sitting second-to-last in the Western Conference and eliminated from contention for a play-in spot with seven games remaining.
Injuries helped derail the Pelicans’ season from the start after newly-acquired star guard Dejounte Murray fractured his hand in the season opener. He suffered a torn right Achilles tendon later in the season. Williamson missed a chunk of time in the middle of the season due to a hamstring strain and costar Brandon Ingram missed time with a left ankle sprain before he was traded at the deadline.
Williamson, 24, had been on a tear since his return from that hamstring injury, averaging 25 points, 7 rebounds and 5.3 assists on 59.7% shooting from the field since January 7.
Source: espn.com