The New Orleans Pelicans will be without another two of their stars the rest of a frustrating, injury-filled season.
The team announced that star forward Zion Williamson and guard CJ McCollum will miss the remainder of the 2024-'25 season due to their respective injuries. McCollum suffered a right foot bone contusion on March 23 against the Pistons, while Williamson was diagnoses with a low back contusion after a March 19 game against the Timberwolves.
The Pelicans (21-54) have suffered through one of the worst seasons in franchise history, undone early and often by injuries. Forward Herb Jones appeared in just 20 games prior to surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff. Newly acquired point guard Dejounte Murray fought back from a broken hand after the season-opener to appear in 31 games, but his season ended with a torn achilles. Forward Trey Murphy also missed the start of the season with an injury but showed progress as a scorer, appearing in 53 games before suffering a torn labrum in his shoulder. The Pelicans also dealt away Brandon Ingram, who missed the majority of the season with an ankle injury.
Williamson's injury frustrations continued, with the star forward appearing in just 30 games due to various injuries, illnesses, rest days and even a suspension. It marks the third time in Willamson's five NBA seasons that he's appeared in 30 or fewer games. The 24-year-old's game continues to tantalize, however, with those 30 games coming with an average of 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists.
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McCollum battled through injuries of his own to appear in 53 games and have another impressive statistial season, rolling up 21.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists while also taking over the franchise record for 3-pointers (692).
Despite all the absences the Pelicans have won 3 of their past 6 games, including a 98-94 win over the Hornets. There are 7 games remaining in the season, with the next a trip out west for matchups agianst the Clippers (April 2) and Lakers (April 4).