[From ESPN]

The New Orleans Pelicans are shutting down Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum for the rest of the season, the team announced on Monday.

McCollum was suffered a right foot bone contusion on March 23 in a loss to the Detroit Pistons while Williamson sustained a low back bone contusion after falling in a win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 19. Both players have been out since going down with their respective injuries and are set to continue a recovery plan that includes rest and treatment.

The news comes with New Orleans sitting second-to-last in the Western Conference and eliminated from contention for a play-in spot with seven games remaining.

Injuries helped derail the Pelicans' season from the start after newly-acquired star guard Dejounte Murray fractured his hand in the season opener. He suffered a torn right Achilles tendon later in the season. Williamson missed a chunk of time in the middle of the season due to a hamstring strain and costar Brandon Ingram missed time with a left ankle sprain before he was traded at the deadline.

Read more of ESPN's story HERE