New 0rleans Pelicans’ Star Zion Williamson Sidelined At Least 7-10 Days With Hamstring Injury
Stop me if you have heard this one already… The New Orleans Pelicans will be without their top star, Zion Williamson, for an extended period of time…again. The team announced Tuesday that Williamson was diagnosed with a Grade One hamstring strain. The Pelicans did not offer up a timeline for the power forward’s return, but said that he would be re-evaluated in 7-10 days.
Zion Williamson Off To A Good Start On A Bad Team
Williamson was off to a good start to the 2025-2026 season before experiencing hamstring soreness on Monday. Today’s update had to feel like a gut-punch for a Pelicans team that was 0-6 on the young season. Williamson had shown up to the team this preseason in the best shape of his NBA career and was leading the team in points (22.8), rebounds (6.8), assists (4.6), and steals (2.0) per game.
Zion Williamson’s Injury-Plagued Career
Williamson had already missed one game this year with a foot issue, but the hamstring issue was new. Williamson has had a history of hamstring injuries, including dealing with a similar issue last season.
Since being drafted No. 1 overall by New Orleans in 2019, the Duke product has played in just 219 games out of a possible 478 for the team. Worries about his conditioning even prompted clauses in his contract dealing with his weight and body fat composition.
Who Will Replace Zion Williamson?
With Williamson out, look for the Pelicans to give more playing time to veterans Herbert Jones and Saddiq Bey and rookie Derik Queen. Queen may already be seeing increased time, as it was announced today that starting Center Yves Missi will be out of action for at least tonight’s game due to an illness.
The team is also without starting Point Guard Dejounte Murray, who is still rehabbing from an Achilles tear. Murray is expected to be out until January.
What Is Next For the Pelicans?
New Orleans will host the Charlotte Hornets (3-4) tonight. Hornets star Point Guard LaMelo Ball is expected to miss his second straight game with an ankle impingement, and the team will also be without Shooting Guard Brandon Miller, who is dealing with a shoulder injury. The Pelicans will then head off to Dallas for a Wednesday game against the Mavericks (2-5).
