Pelicans Announce Zion Williamson News Before Celtics Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Oct 27, 2025 2:28 PM ET

Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans have dropped their first two games to open the 2025–26 season. After last year’s collapse, the team is hoping Williamson can stay healthy and lead a return to the NBA playoffs. Despite the early losses, New Orleans looks far more competitive than the squad that finished 21–61 a season ago. Williamson’s health will be crucial to any success.

The 25-year-old power forward appeared in just 30 games last year, averaging 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.2 steals while shooting 56.7% from the field on 16.9 attempts per night. While his ability to dominate in transition, finish through contact and create mismatches in the paint makes him one of the most physically imposing players in the league, his health has been a genuine concern.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1)Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

His health has once again come into question, just a week into the season. Ahead of Monday’s game against the Boston Celtics, Williamson was added to the injury report with a left foot bone contusion.

“#Pelicans Injury Report Update for tonight: Karlo Matkovic (low back spasms) – Available, Yves Missi (right ankle sprain) – Available, Zion Williamson (Left Foot Bone Contusion) – Questionable,” the team announced on X. It is an unfortunate development, especially given Williamson’s favorable matchup against a Boston frontcourt that has struggled to contain physicality in the paint early on.

#Pelicans Injury Report Update for tonight:

Karlo Matkovic (low back spasms) - Available
Yves Missi (right ankle sprain) - Available
Zion Williamson (Left Foot Bone Contusion) - Questionable https://t.co/YlSOK53a3w
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) October 27, 2025

The injury also threatens to interrupt what has been a strong start for Williamson. The former first overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft has averaged 27.0 points, 9.5 rebounds, 6.0 assists and a league-leading 4.0 steals per game so far.

The Pelicans will hope he’s able to suit up against the Celtics, and if not, his next opportunity would be Wednesday against the Denver Nuggets. Williamson remains in search of a fully healthy season. When available, he is one of the league’s best players, earning two All-Star selections in his career.

However, he has been healthy for only two of his past five seasons, a stretch that has plagued New Orleans and contributed to its uncertain trajectory. If he misses substantial time again, the organization could consider moving on and finding a new face to lead the offense despite Williamson’s undeniable talent.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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