Three days after New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson produced a highly encouraging performance in his first game back from a two-month injury absence on Tuesday night, the 2018-19 Duke basketball forward sat out a second straight outing.

Two big differences between then and now is the Philadelphia 76ers have played their way out of the top five, going 10-5 since Dec. 2 as they’ve gotten healthier, and the New Orleans Pelicans have closed the gap on the Wizards at the top, er… bottom?

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson has been ruled out for their game against the Portland Trail Blazers as he continues his comeback from a left hamstring strain.

The former Duke basketball one-and-done and a current Blue Devil rookie pulled off viral dunks just over an hour apart.

The New Orleans Pelicans have ruled out Zion Williamson for their game Wednesday night against the visiting Portland Trail Blazers as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury.

Zion Williamson symbolically announced his return from a 27-game injury absence with a breakaway dunk in which he rotated 360 degrees in the air while throwing down a crowd-pleasing, double-clutch, roundhouse jam.

I’m glad he played with that confidence and that joy,” Murray said. “Especially after that dunk. You could see the joy.” Murray talked to Williamson before the game and