Zion returns from 27-game absence in loss to T-Wolves

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson returned to the lineup in Tuesday’s 104-97 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Head coach Willie Green said pregame that Williamson would be on a minutes restriction, but the 2019 first overall pick was in the starting five and managed to play 28 minutes. Williamson contributed 22 points, six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and a block.

Dejounte Murray led all Pelicans scorers with 29 points. Anthony Edwards dropped a game-high 32 points for the Timberwolves.

The two-time All-Star missed the previous 27 games due to a hamstring strain. The Pelicans went 4-23 over that stretch but won their last two contests prior to Tuesday’s action.

The 24-year-old was averaging 22.7 points, eight rebounds, and 5.3 assists in his six games this campaign heading into Tuesday.

New Orleans remains without Brandon Ingram, who’s missed the last 13 contests due to an ankle sprain. The franchise is reportedly prioritizing trading the 27-year-old by the Feb. 6 trade deadline.

The Pelicans have been beset by injuries, as key rotation pieces including Williamson, Ingram, Murray, CJ McCollum, Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, and Jose Alvarado have missed multiple games.

New Orleans ranks last in the Western Conference with a 7-30 record following Tuesday’s defeat.

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