Hard blow for the Pelicans: Zion Williamson is out for Friday's decisive play-in game against the Kings due to injury

The New Orleans Pelicans will be facing the Sacramento Kings in their last chance to enter the upcoming NBA playoffs on Friday. Unfortunately it was confirmed that their best player, Zion Williamson, won't be playing that decisive matchup due to a hamstring injury.

A nearly fatal shot for the New Orleans Pelicans' aspirations this season, as Zion was not only the best player in the squad, but the forward rounded a career year with the franchise, playing 70 games, averaging 23 points and nearly 6 rebounds shooting 57% from the field.

Yesterday, Zion played perhaps his best game since he entered the NBA nearly five years ago. The former 1st pick of the 2019 NBA Draft registered 40 points and 11 rebounds. The Lakers played better and were able to resist the Pelicans final push, in part because with three minutes left in the fourth quarter, Zion had to exit the game, after injuring his hamstring in a play attacking the basket.

Today, after being evaluated, it was confirmed that the 23-year-old All-star suffered a hamstring strain, ruling him out for the crucial game against Sacramento. This matchup will define who enters the playoffs as the 8th seed, and who will be starting the summer vacations.

New Orleans, coming from two straight losses against the Lakers and with Williamson out, will need for the entire squad to step up in order to win against a Kings' team that's absolutely hyped after eliminating Golden State. The bright side is that the Pelicans will be playing at home. As it is for Williamson, he'll be re-evaluated in two weeks.