Pelicans star Zion Williamson aims to conquer 'mental battle' ahead of play-in game

Pelicans star Zion Williamson injured his right knee in January and has not played an NBA game since

With Oklahoma City hosting New Orleans on Wednesday night in a Western Conference play-in game, Williamson's extended absence looms particularly large.

 In the event of a loss, the losing team is done for the season, while the winner lives on to face top-seeded Denver in the conference's first round of the playoffs.

Williamson said he has to overcome “a little bit of a mental battle” because of a setback in his recovery that prevented him from participating in the All-Star Game.

 “When I reaggravated it back in February, it was tough. So, when I got to make certain moves, there is that hesitation,” Williamson said.

“I understand the magnitude of these games coming up and I don’t want to be out there hesitating or doing something that may affect my team in a bad way.”

For the Pelicans to be successful they need Zion on the court and if they do manage to get past Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder, they will need Zion to play a significant role in whatever aspirations they have of making a decent run.