After easing back into action following an adductor strain, the New Orleans Pelicans star forward Zion Williamson has returned to the starting lineup for the past two games after opening his comeback off the bench.
In that span, he’s delivered his first two 30-point performances of the season, showing signs of offensive rhythm and physical dominance.
However, his production hasn’t translated into wins for New Orleans, as the Pelicans have now dropped five straight games and sit near the bottom of the league with an 8–27 record.
The struggles continued Wednesday night in a loss to a short-handed Chicago Bulls team, which exposed ongoing defensive issues.
Head coach James Borrego expressed frustration afterward, pointing to a lack of toughness and engagement on that end of the floor.
“Just overall, a lack of pride in physicality on (the defensive) end of the floor,” Borrego said, according to Rod Walker of NOLA.com.
Southwest Notes: Eason, Williamson, Koloko, Thompson https://t.co/XdhLTfPOtA pic.twitter.com/xAeqqMTcpJ
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) January 2, 2026
