The injury bug has bitten Zion Williamson once again.
The New Orleans Pelicans’ star forward is expected to miss an extended stretch after suffering a right adductor injury, according to multiple reports. He was sidelined for Sunday’s matchup against the Lakers and is set to be re-evaluated in three weeks.
This latest setback adds to what’s been a frustratingly stop-and-start season for Zion. When he’s on the court, the impact is undeniable-he’s averaging 22.1 points and 5.6 rebounds across 10 games this season, a reminder of the explosive force he can be when healthy. But staying on the court has been the challenge.
Zion, now in his sixth season, started this campaign in good health, but it hasn’t been smooth sailing. He already missed time in late October with a foot issue and again in early November due to a hamstring injury. This new adductor strain marks his third different injury in just the first couple months of the season.
It’s a tough blow for the Pelicans, who have built much of their offensive identity around Zion’s unique blend of size, speed, and power. His ability to collapse defenses, finish through contact, and create mismatches in the paint is central to what New Orleans wants to do on both ends of the floor. Without him, the Pelicans will need to lean more heavily on Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, and their emerging young core to keep pace in a competitive Western Conference.
Zion’s injury history is well-documented. He was shut down in March last season due to a back injury, and that came after missing significant time earlier in his career.
Despite those setbacks, his career averages still speak volumes-24.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game over 224 appearances. When he plays, he produces at an elite level.
But availability has been the missing piece.
For the Pelicans, the hope is that this latest injury doesn’t linger and that Zion can return in a few weeks ready to contribute. The team has shown flashes of being a real threat in the West, but their ceiling ultimately depends on Zion’s health. If he can get back and stay back, New Orleans becomes a much tougher out.
Until then, it’s another stretch of waiting and hoping for a player whose talent has never been in question-only his ability to stay on the floor.