Pelicans Championed By NBA Fans for Playoff-Clinching Win vs. Kings With Zion Out

The New Orleans Pelicans are playoff-bound after beating the Sacramento Kings 105-98 in the play-in tournament Friday night.

Many counted the Pelicans out after it was announced they would be without star Zion Williamson, who suffered a hamstring injury on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Lakers. With Williamson sidelined, New Orleans' supporting cast stepped up in a big way.

Brandon Ingram, who struggled in Tuesday's loss, had 24 points, six rebounds and six assists. Jonas Valančiūnas also put together a solid game with 19 points and 12 boards.

Now, the Pelicans will get a first-round matchup with the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder. After the win, fans praised New Orleans for getting the win despite missing Williamson.

The question for the Pelicans now is if they can manage in the first round with Zion Williamson. They will be without the star for at least two weeks, which means he would likely miss most of the first round. Williamson had 40 points and 11 rebounds on Tuesday and appeared to be in playoff form. Now, he might not get the chance to play in his first playoff game.

It would be a tough task going up against Oklahoma City without Williamson, but if New Orleans can pull off the upset and get Williamson back in the second round, it could lead to a surprising playoff run for the Pelicans.