The NBA will see two winless teams matchup on Monday, with the New Orleans Pelicans playing host to the Boston Celtics. Even though both teams clearly have talent on their rosters, injuries are holding them back from being the best versions of themselves.
The New Orleans Pelicans touted the improved fitness of Zion Williamson during the preseason. Two games into the regular season, their star forward is already out with an injury.
The all-time list of NBA All-Stars is obviously long, and notably distinguished. However, there are some players — for various reasons — who the casual, or even most-dedicated, NBA fans can't recall having earned All-Star nods.
Just one game into the 2025-26 season, Willie Green found himself addressing a painfully familiar narrative with resigned acceptance. The embattled New Orleans Pelicans coach, standing before reporters after Zion Williamson’s squad was taunted by Ja Morant’s Memphis Grizzlies, delivered the same message repeated throughout his tenure.
The New Orleans Pelicans have suffered a slow start to the season, dropping their first two games. That slow start can in large part be attributed to a roster that has been bogged down by injuries to several crucial pieces, but a positive report coming out of Sunday's practice session could mean that the Pelicans' injury woes are coming to an end.
The opening moments of an NBA game can often reveal a team’s intentions. For the family-focused New Orleans Pelicans, their starting defensive strategy in the season opener sent a clear message: Zion Williamson is being asked to lead on both ends of the court.
After a too easy and perhaps too fun opening night blowout of the Dallas Mavericks, the Spurs came back down to earth a bit against an injured New Orleans Pelicans club that at least has a healthy Zion Williamson back.
It takes a lot to push through the professional mask athletes wear on game night. However, a shout following pregame warmups would stick with Zion Williamson’s New Orleans Pelicans until long after the final buzzer.
Ja Morant scored a game-high 35 points and Jaren Jackson Jr. added 18 points, eight rebounds and six blocks to lead the Memphis Grizzlies to a 128-122 victory over the visiting New Orleans on Wednesday night in the season opener for both teams.
During NBA star Zion Williamson’s media day interview last month, one of the main topics was of course his health and conditioning. While Zion’s comments were encouraging, as he mentioned feeling the best he’s felt since college, fans are still skeptical, obviously.
Nearly every offseason, photos of a leaner Zion Williamson surface, sparking excitement among New Orleans Pelicans fans. That trend has persisted this season, but not everyone is buying the hype.
Zion Williamson wants everyone to know he’s not going anywhere. The former No. 1 overall pick told reporters after the Pelicans’ preseason tour in Australia that New Orleans is still “home base,” adding that he takes pride in representing the franchise that drafted him.
Zion Williamson is putting the rumors to rest. Speaking to reporters after his return to the court, the Pelicans star said he’s proud to represent New Orleans and considers the city his true home, no matter what outsiders say.
Facing pressure to perform for his NBA franchise and the fans in New Orleans this upcoming season, Williamson put on a show in Melbourne, Australia, during his team's preseason trip, marking the first time an NBA team ever played in the country.