SUMMARY
- The Pelicans secured a victory against the Kings to advance into the first round of the playoffs against OKC.
- Shaquille O'Neal was certain that NOLA wouldn't beat the Kings without Zion Williamson.
Without Zion Williamson, the New Orleans Pelicans suffered a lot during the 2022-23 season. They failed to get through the Play-In Tournament while losing the second round of games. Williamson just played his healthiest season appearing 70 games during the 2023-24 campaign. NOLA seemed like a designated playoff team, however, the Phoenix Suns somehow dethroned them from sixth and advanced directly into the first round.
NOLA faced the Los Angeles Lakers during their first game in the Play-In Tournament. Unfortunately, Williamson injured himself while having a career night scoring 40 points against LA. The Pelicans had no other choice but to remove him from the game and they ended up taking a huge beating from the Lakers. NOLA had to face the Sacramento Kings for the 8th and final spot in the playoffs. Despite Williamson’s absence, they managed to pull through with a victory.
Shaquille O’Neal’s comments on Zion Williamson and the Pelicans aged miserably
Ahead of the Pelicans vs Kings matchup, Shaquille O’Neal made a bold prediction claiming NOLA would not make it through without Zion Williamson. He said, “I think the New Orleans Pelicans, they’re playing so well. Zion was having the best game of his career. With him being out, I don’t know how long he’s out, I think it’s going to be a big blow… Sacramento is over there saying, ‘You guys ain’t got Zion. We know you beat us like that one time. But y’all ain’t got Zion. Y’all are cooked.'”
Shaq said the Pels aren’t a good defensive team.
Take nothing he says about any squad not named LA Lakers with a grain of salt.
— srburris (@srburris) April 20, 2024
Shaq said the Pels aren’t a good defensive team.
Take nothing he says about any squad not named LA Lakers with a grain of salt.
— srburris (@srburris) April 20, 2024
After the game, NOLA walked away with an impressive victory and fans didn’t spare Shaq on social media. One fan said, “Shaq don’t know ball I fear.” Another fan added, “Shaq said the Pels aren’t a good defensive team. Take nothing he says about any squad not named LA Lakers with a grain of salt.” From Shaq’s perspective, he didn’t believe that NOLA would adjust to the pressure, despite going 5-0 against the Kings during the regular season.
Zion Williamson to be evaluated in coming weeks as the Pelicans prepare for OKC
Unfortunately, Zion Williamson was diagnosed with a hamstring injury according to Adrian Wojnarowski. It wouldn’t take too long for the 2x NBA All-Star to recover but his absence will still cause significant damage in the first round of the playoffs. The NBA insider revealed that the Pelicans will re-evaluate the injury in the coming weeks while the team prepares to take on the Oklahoma City Thunder.
ESPN Sources: Pelicans F Zion Williamson’s (left hamstring) is out for Friday’s Play-In Tournament elimination game vs. Sacramento and will be evaluated again in coming weeks. Huge blow for New Orleans. pic.twitter.com/rMc1IC2RtY
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 17, 2024
Williamson has been averaging 22.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5 assists per game while recording 1.1 steals. The Pelicans somehow managed to make it to the 2021-22 season playoffs without him, so this is familiar territory. However, they did not make it past the first round.
NOLA has a legitimate chance of winning against OKC only if Williamson is available. However, players like CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram would have to step up in his absence. NOLA has more experience that can be utilized against OKC, but it wouldn’t come to much use without their young forward.