The Pelicans have shut down guard CJ McCollum and big man Zion Williamson for the remainder of the season, the team’s PR department tweets.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) drives to the basket past Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) in the second half at Target Center. Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

McCollum, who was diagnosed with a right foot bone contusion after sustaining the injury on March 23 at Detroit, will continue his rehabilitation program which includes rest and treatment.

Williamson, who suffered a low back bone contusion during a fall on March 19 at Minnesota, will continue his recovery plan which includes rest and treatment.

The injury-ravaged Pelicans are among the lottery-bound teams jockeying for the best odds to get the top pick. Shutting down two of their top players could move them closer to that goal.

They currently have the league’s fourth-worst record at  21-54 — the bottom three teams each have a 14% shot for the No. 1 pick.

New Orleans has seven games remaining after losing 10 of its last 14 games.

McCollum, 33, finishes the season with averages of 21.1 points, 4.1 assists and 3.8 rebounds in 56 games.  He has a year left on the two-year, $64M extension he signed in 2022.

Williamson, 24, completes his 2024-25 campaign with averages of 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists in just 30 games. He missed two months of action due to a hamstring strain. He has three years remaining on his five-year max extension.