Photo: Cameron Tabatabaie/X

Pelicans forward Zion Williamson, who has been out since November 6 due to a left hamstring strain, is entering the “return-to-play conditioning phase” of his rehabilitation, the team announced in a press release.

This milestone indicates that Williamson is making progress toward recovery, with the expectation that he’ll resume full practices next week. His status will be monitored on a week-to-week basis as he moves closer to rejoining the lineup.

The 2019 No. 1 overall pick has appeared in just six games this season, showcasing his elite abilities by averaging 22.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in 31 minutes per game.

During those six outings, the Pelicans won only two games, but the team’s struggles have worsened significantly in his absence, managing just three victories in the 24 games since Williamson was sidelined.

His presence on the court, both as a dynamic scorer and playmaker, is sorely missed as the team struggles to maintain competitiveness.

Meanwhile, the Pelicans’ woes are compounded by the absence of their other star forward, Brandon Ingram, who suffered a significant left ankle sprain on December 7.

According to the team, Ingram is still in the early stages of treatment and recovery and will remain out indefinitely, with a reevaluation scheduled in two weeks.

The Pelicans lost the game in which Ingram was injured and have dropped all six subsequent contests, leaving the team with an uphill battle in the absence of its two key players.

Without Williamson and Ingram, the Pelicans have faced severe challenges in maintaining their offensive rhythm and defensive cohesion. The team’s depth has been tested, with younger players and role players forced to shoulder a greater burden.

Despite these challenges, the Pelicans remain optimistic that Williamson’s impending return will provide a much-needed boost, helping to stabilize their season and reignite their playoff aspirations.

Ingram’s continued absence, however, underscores the critical need for both stars to regain full health if New Orleans hopes to stay competitive in the increasingly demanding Western Conference.