New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson will miss at least the next week due to a left hamstring strain, NBA insider Shams Charania reported on Tuesday.
Williamson, who has started all five games for the Pelicans this season, has been averaging 22.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. His absence comes as the team struggles to find its footing, holding a 1-6 record after seven games.
The forward’s last game was a 137-106 loss to Oklahoma City on November 2, where he posted 20 points, nine rebounds, and six assists in 28 minutes of play. Williamson had shown consistent production in the early season, scoring at least 20 points in four of the first five contests.
New Orleans has relied heavily on Williamson’s scoring and playmaking, with secondary contributions coming from Jordan Poole and Trey Murphy III. Poole has averaged 17.3 points per game, while Murphy III is posting 15.4 points and six rebounds per contest.
The Pelicans will need other players to step up while Williamson recovers. Upcoming games include a Wednesday matchup at Dallas and a visit to San Antonio on Saturday. These road contests will test New Orleans’ depth without their star forward.
Williamson has a history of injuries that have impacted his playing time, but his production remains vital to the team’s success. Over his career, he has averaged 24.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game.
The Pelicans return home on November 12 to face Portland before hosting the Los Angeles Clippers on November 14, offering potential matchups for Williamson’s reintegration if his recovery goes as planned.
