FILE – Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts during the first quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on March 18, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. Steph Chambers/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Steph Chambers / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)
New Orleans Pelicans star forward Zion Williamson was diagnosed with a fractured left ring finger and will be sidelined indefinitely, the team announced Friday.
The Pelicans said the severity of the injury was detected during a CT scan. A timetable for his return will be revealed after further evaluation.
Williamson underwent a “series of diagnostic testing” on Thursday prior to the team’s departure for Friday’s game at the Philadelphia 76ers.
The timing of the injury could be a big hindrance as New Orleans (30-36) attempts to chase down the San Antonio Spurs (31-34) for the final play-in spot in the Western Conference. San Antonio has lost five straight entering Friday’s road game against the Sacramento Kings.
The Pelicans have six games remaining, starting with Friday’s contest in Philadelphia.
Williamson, who made the All-Star Game this season, is averaging 27 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 61 games. He was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.
The 20-year-old recorded 23 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists and four steals in 37 minutes when the Pelicans beat the Golden State Warriors 108-103 on Tuesday.
Williamson was injured in the third quarter after battling two Warriors for a rebound and immediately grabbing the finger before receiving treatment from a trainer. He returned to finish the game.
Brandon Ingram (ankle) also will sit out Friday.
Ingram, a 2020 All-Star Game participant, is averaging 23.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.9 assists in 61 games (all starts) this season.