New Orleans Pelicans

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (hamstring), who has been ruled out for Friday's play-in game against the Sacramento Kings, will be re-evaluated in two weeks. It's a huge blow to New Orleans' chances of clinching a playoff berth, as Williamson exited Tuesday's loss to the visiting Los Angeles Lakers due to a strained left hamstring. Unless the Pelicans are able to go on an unlikely deep postseason run, Williamson's season may very well be over. The 23-year-old slashing superstar played in a career-high 70 games during the regular season, collecting 22.9 points on 57.0% shooting from the floor, 5.8 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.1 steals in 31.5 minutes per contest. Marksman Trey Murphy III is the most likely candidate to join the starting lineup on Friday against the Kings, averaging 17.9 points, 5.4 boards, 2.6 dimes, 1.0 swipes, and 3.5 three-pointers in seven games without Williamson this year.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (leg) scored a game-high 40 points off 17-for-27 shooting in Tuesday's Play-In loss to the Lakers. He added 11 rebounds, five assists, one block, and one steal. Williamson had a fantastic showing. Unfortunately, he suffered a leg injury late in the contest and didn't return. Although details were scarce initially, head coach Willie Green labeled Williamson's injury as "left leg soreness" while revealing he will undergo imaging on Wednesday. At any rate, Williamson has battled countless injuries throughout his career, so this situation is concerning. But if the 2019 No. 1 overall pick can't suit up for the Pelicans' next Play-In contest versus Golden State or Sacramento, Larry Nance Jr. would presumably fill the void in the lineup.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (undisclosed) exited Tuesday's Play-In matchup with the Lakers. The Pelicans were down big. However, the team managed to get back in it, with Williamson knotting things at up 95 by making a basket in the paint. Unfortunately, he came down and immediately grimaced with pain before heading to the locker room. Williamson likely injured his leg, although there aren't any details at the moment. But if he doesn't return to this one, he'll finish with 40 points, 11 boards, and five assists.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (knee) doesn't carry an injury designation ahead of Tuesday's Play-In meeting with the Lakers. The 26-year-old injured his knee during a matchup with the Orlando Magic in March and was sidelined for 12 games. However, he returned for the regular-season finale versus the Lakers, amassing 13 points and five rebounds in 23 minutes. Fortunately, head coach Willie Green reported that Ingram looked good during practice on Monday, so the plan is to increase his minutes for Tuesday's rematch with Los Angeles. Of course, he'll likely see less work than usual. But Ingram is still worth considering for any DFS contest after Green's latest update.

New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum netted a team-high 25 points on 9-for-19 shooting in Sunday's 124-108 loss to the Lakers. He hit 4-for-9 from downtown and was also among the team leaders with seven assists, completing his line with four rebounds. McCollum had a fairly inconsistent regular-season campaign, but he's heated up at a good time for the team, with the Pelicans set to begin the play-in tournament against the Lakers on Tuesday. The 32-year-old has averaged 30.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.0 assists over his last seven appearances.