The New Orleans Pelicans announced that forward Zion Williamson will miss at least 7-10 days due to a Grade 1 left hamstring strain. This injury comes amid the team's winless 0-6 start to the 2025-26 season. Williamson, the Pelicans' leading scorer and rebounder, had averaged 22.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game before the injury.
Two weeks into the 2025-26 NBA season, the New Orleans Pelicans are struggling with a 0-6 record, including three losses by 30 or more points, resulting in the league's worst net rating of -18.3. The team ranks last in defensive rating and is among the worst in rebounding, hampered by a thin frontcourt lacking size. On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, the Pelicans revealed that star forward Zion Williamson suffered a Grade 1 left hamstring strain and will be sidelined for at least 7-10 days, missing at least the next four games.
Williamson, who leads the team in points, rebounds, assists, and blocks, is crucial to New Orleans' roster. He recently posted 20 points, nine rebounds, and six assists in a game on Sunday, shooting 7-of-14 from the field. This marks his second missed game this season, following an absence due to a left bone contusion. Williamson has a history of hamstring issues, missing months since 2023. Prior to the injury, he averaged 22.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists on 48.7 percent shooting.
The injury exacerbates concerns for a team that traded its unprotected 2026 first-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks to select rookie Derik Queen at No. 10 overall in June (reports vary, with some indicating No. 13). Without Williamson, coach Willie Green faces increased scrutiny, with rumblings that he has lost the locker room. The Pelicans will rely more on Queen, who has averaged 17.5 minutes off the bench, as well as Trey Murphy III and Jordan Poole. New addition Kevon Looney debuted in a recent blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, aiding young centers Yves Missi and Queen.
New Orleans' next opportunity for a win is Tuesday against the Charlotte Hornets, who will be without LaMelo Ball (ankle) and Brandon Miller (shoulder), though the Pelicans are only short favorites at -2.5. Upcoming games include road trips to Dallas, San Antonio, and Phoenix, followed by home dates against Portland, Atlanta, Memphis, and Dallas. If they fail to win any, a matchup against the winless Brooklyn Nets on December 6 could loom. Williamson expressed excitement about working with new head of basketball operations Joe Dumars, saying, 'I like Joe. What you see is what you get. He's going to hold me accountable, and as he holds me accountable, he's going to give me a lot of responsibilities as well.'