Update on Zion Williamson’s Injury

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Update on Zion Williamson’s Injury

Zion Williamson was ready to shake off the doubts surrounding his injury history. After playing a career-high 70 games last season and showing up to training camp in his best physical shape, expectations were high for the young Pelicans forward. Many hoped he could finally shed the “injury-prone” label that has defined his career and lead the Pelicans back to prominence.

However, bad news for Williamson and for bettors following the NBA odds closely: the New Orleans Pelicans  announced that their star player suffered a hamstring strain last week, just as he was beginning his new season. This setback raised immediate concerns, as last season he dealt with a similar injury, and in 2022-23, he missed 53 games due to a strain in the same muscle.

What Does This Injury Mean for the Pelicans?

The prognosis for Zion is uncertain. The Pelicans expect Williamson to miss at least four to six weeks due to the injury. While not considered a “catastrophic” injury in general terms, his 280-pound frame has not responded well to treatments in the past, which has led to long absences. In fact, this type of injury isn’t usually as serious for other players, but for Zion, the outlook is much more uncertain.

NBA ODDS suggest that the Pelicans’ season could be significantly affected if their star remains out for an extended period. The question now is: how will this latest absence impact the Pelicans’ odds of making a deep playoff run? With a team already dealing with several key injuries, including CJ McCollum, Dejounte Murray, and Herbert Jones, the situation becomes even more complicated.

How Long Will Zion Be Out?

The Pelicans are “preparing” for an absence of four to six weeks, which could mean Zion returns by the end of 2024, assuming his rehab goes well. With 20 more games scheduled through the end of the year, Zion’s return could be crucial for the team, though there is no guarantee his body will withstand the demands of the full season.

While this injury doesn’t seem as severe as some of the ones he’s had in previous seasons, Zion Williamson’s history is filled with absences. Here’s a breakdown of the games he’s missed in each of his career seasons:

2019-20: 48 games

2020-21: 21 games

2021-22: All 82 games

2022-23: 53 games

2023-24: 12 games

2024-25: 5 games and counting

In total, he has missed 221 games out of a possible 411 in his early NBA career. This track record raises serious concerns about his ability to stay healthy throughout an entire season.

What Does This Mean for Bettors?

The NBA ODDS are now affected by this injury. The Pelicans, who appeared to be a solid team with a healthy Zion at the start of the season, now face uncertainty about the return of their star. If Zion misses six weeks, his return could come just in time for the final stretch of the year, but there’s no certainty that his body will handle the full demands of the regular season.

For bettors, this means that the Pelicans’ chances of making a deep playoff run look seriously compromised, especially if more key players like McCollum or Murray remain sidelined. The NBA odds for the Pelicans as a championship contender could drop significantly in the coming months, opening up opportunities for those who are willing to bet on other teams.