The New Orleans Pelicans could be getting Zion Williamson back sooner than expected.
Williamson practiced on Saturday and interim head coach James Borrego said the forward will be listed as questionable for Sunday’s road game against the Chicago Bulls.
Williamson was diagnosed with a Grade 2 right hip adductor strain on December 2.
According to an ESPN report at the time, Williamson would miss “an extended amount of time” and would be re-evaluated in three weeks.
But it’s only been 11 days and Williamson has made enough progress to be listed as questionable.
Williamson missed the last five games with the injury. He’s played in 10 of the Pelicans’ 26 games this season. He is averaging 22.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.0 assists.
Prior to this latest injury, Williamson missed games due to a hamstring injury.
When Williamson was first diagnosed with this latest injury, Borrego was optimistic about Williamson’s return.
“Nobody wants to be on the floor more than Zion,” Borrego said. “He’s got love for the game, loves this city, wears this logo with pride as a badge. He wants to be out there battling with his teammates more than anybody. More than anything right now, he’s disappointed. He’s here to support us and we are here to support him.”
The Pelicans’ next game after playing the Bulls Sunday is Thursday at home against the Houston Rockets.