New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson will miss a minimum of three weeks after being diagnosed with a right adductor strain, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Monday.
The team plans to re-evaluate the 25-year-old after that period, but initial indications point to a longer recovery. Williamson’s latest injury surfaced after he sat out eight games in October with a Grade 1 strain to his left hamstring. The adductor muscle is located in the hip, and Charania noted this strain is expected to keep him out significantly longer than the hamstring issue.
It is not yet clear when the adductor damage occurred; Williamson’s most recent appearance came Saturday in a road loss to the Golden State Warriors. Through 10 games this season, he has averaged 22.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.6 steals across 30.9 minutes.
Injuries have repeatedly interrupted Williamson’s career since the Pelicans selected him first overall in 2019. He has been limited to 30 games or fewer in four of his first six seasons, missing the entire 2021-22 campaign.
New Orleans’ roster remains depleted. Seven players, including the club’s five highest-paid, were unavailable Sunday. Depending on recovery timelines, the franchise could apply for a hardship exception, though that offers little immediate help for a team sitting at 3-18 with the NBA’s worst record. The Pelicans also lack control of their 2026 first-round pick, adding urgency as Williamson begins another rehab process.
Source: Hoops Wire
