Zion Williamson standout performance injury Pelicans loss Lakers

New Orleans Pelicans face elimination in NBA play-in tournament after loss to Lakers despite Zion Williamson's season-high performance.

The New Orleans Pelicans had an impressive regular season, winning 49 games, but are now facing the possibility of missing out on a playoff spot once again. Despite their success, they are in danger of being eliminated in the NBA play-in tournament for the second year in a row.

In a hard-fought game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday, the Pelicans suffered a 110-106 loss at the Smoothie King Center. Despite Zion Williamson's season-high 40 points, the team fell short in the Western Conference's Nos. 7-8 play-in tournament game.

Williamson tied the game at 95-95 with just over three minutes remaining, but then left the court after slamming a towel on the bench. The extent of his injury was unclear, leaving the Pelicans in a tough spot.

Having lost six straight home games, the Pelicans will have one last chance to salvage their season when they face either the Golden State Warriors or Sacramento Kings on Friday. The winner of that game will advance to a first-round series against the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder, while the loser will be eliminated from the postseason.

Despite a tough loss to the Lakers on Sunday, Williamson bounced back with an impressive performance on Tuesday. The Pelicans showed improvement in their paint defense and took an early lead in the game. However, the Lakers' hot outside shooting gave them a 10-point halftime lead.

Despite trailing by as many as 18 points in the third quarter, Williamson continued to attack and helped cut the deficit. The Pelicans had a chance to tie the game in the final minutes but fell short, with the Lakers ultimately securing the win.

Brandon Ingram added 11 points for the Pelicans, while Trey Murphy contributed 12 points. The team will need a win on Friday to keep their playoff hopes alive after going 1-4 against the Lakers this season.

The Pelicans face a do-or-die situation in their upcoming game, and will need to bring their A-game to secure a spot in the postseason.