Pelicans' Zion Williamson will miss the game against the Kings due to a hamstring strain

Written by Shams Charania, Alex Andreev, and William Guillory

New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson will miss Friday's game against the Sacramento Kings due to a left hamstring strain, the team announced. Williamson had an MRI on Wednesday morning and will be re-examined in two weeks.

The 23-year-old looked unstoppable during Tuesday's loss to the Los Angeles Lakers until his night ended early when he exited in the final minutes of the game. Pelicans coach Willie Green later described the injury as left leg pain.

After the game, Williamson exited the Smoothie King Center with no apparent mobility issues. He didn't have a visible wrap on his leg either.

Williamson, who hit the floor with a towel before heading to the locker room in the fourth quarter, scored a game-high 40 points. He added 11 rebounds and five assists in the loss. The Pelicans are scheduled to host the Sacramento Kings — who defeated the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday — in an playoff game on Friday.

Williamson averaged 22.9 points, 5.0 assists and 5.8 rebounds over 70 games this season. Tuesday marked the first non-regular season or preseason game of his career, which has been plagued by numerous injuries. Williamson missed the entire 2021-22 season due to a broken foot, and last season, he missed the Pelicans' game against the Oklahoma City Thunder due to the injury.

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(Photo: Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)