Zion returns against the T-Wolves after a 27 game absence

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson returned to the lineup Tuesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Head coach Willie Green said prior to the game that Williamson would have limited minutes, but the 2019 first overall pick was in the starting five.

The two-time All-Star missed the previous 27 games with a hamstring strain. The Pelicans went 4-23 over that stretch, but won their last two contests.

The 24-year-old was averaging 22.7 points, eight rebounds and 5.3 assists in his six games this campaign entering Tuesday.

New Orleans remains without Brandon Ingram, who has missed the past 13 contests with a sprained ankle. The franchise is reportedly prioritizing dealing the 27-year-old before the Feb. 6 trade deadline.

The Pelicans have been plagued by injuries as key rotation pieces including Williamson, Ingram, Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum, Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones and Jose Alvarado have missed multiple games.

New Orleans ranks last in the Western Conference with a 7-29 record entering Tuesday.