Zion Williamson Receives Bad News After Missing Lakers Game

Injuries have gotten in the way of Williamson’s seventh season with the Pelicans. The former No. 1 overall pick has struggled to stay healthy for virtually his entire NBA career, and this season has been no different. Williamson has made just 10 appearances for New Orleans so far this term, averaging 22.1 points on 51.0% shooting, 5.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.6 steals in 30.9 minutes per contest.   

On Tuesday, ESPN senior reporter Shams Charania announced via social media that Williamson will be out of commission for at least the next three weeks.

“New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson will miss extended time with a right adductor injury, sources tell ESPN. He will be re-evaluated in three weeks,” Charania posted on X.

It is important to note that this is a different injury from the left hamstring issue that kept Williamson out for the better part of November. This time, he is dealing with an adductor problem on his right side.

This latest update means the Pelicans will be without their star forward for most of December, with the injury potentially extending to 2026. With Williamson sitting out, Saddiq Bey is expected to continue taking on a heavier load for New Orleans’ depleted frontcourt. Rookie Derik Queen will also continue playing significant minutes with Williamson sidelined again.

The Pelicans are in action on Tuesday in a home game against the 12-8 Minnesota Timberwolves. Tip-off from Smoothie King Center is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET.