The New Orleans Pelicans are still seeking their first win of the 2025-'26 season, and they'll have to look for it without star Zion Williamson for at least the next week.
Williamson is dealing with a grade 1, left hamstring strain, the team announced on Tuesday. He will be out at least the next 7-10 days, after which he'll be re-evaluated. Williamson has also missed time this season with a foot bruise.
The Pelicans have started the season 0-6, with their most recent loss a 31-point defeat against the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder. Williamson has led the team in points, assists and rebounds in three of those losses and he has averages of 22.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists on the season.
The Pelicans will next face the Hornets on Tuesday at the Smoothie King Center before a three-game road trip where they'll face the Mavericks, Spurs and Suns.
Related
The slow start to the season for the Pelicans has been marred by the draft-day decision to send away their unprotected 2026 first-round pick to move up to select center Derik Queen, who to this point has averaged 17.5 minutes per game with 7.3 points and 4.8 rebounds. The Pelicans do seem to have found a budding young star in point guard Jeremiah Fears, who is averaging 13.7 points, 3.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game.
The Pelicans will need Fears, and guards Jordan Poole (18.3 PPG) and Trey Murphy III (14.5 PPG) to help shoulder the scoring load in Williamson's absence.