The New Orleans Pelicans’ star Zion Williamson is close to returning to action after being out since early November due to a hamstring strain.
The Pelicans issued a medical update on Williamson on Tuesday, saying that their franchise centerpiece will resume full practice next week. He will be considered “week-to-week” moving forward.
Williamson was limited to just six games this season. His averages for 2025-26 include 22.7 points, 8.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists.
Williamson is considered a generational talent when healthy, but the issue is that he spent more time sidelined than actually playing since being selected first overall by the Pelicans in the 2019 NBA Draft. He is currently in his sixth season as a pro and has only played 190 games due to various injuries.
The New Orleans Pelicans have been ravaged by injuries in 2024-25. Aside from Williamson, they are currently also without key players such as Brandon Ingram, Jose Alvarado, and Trey Murphy III. Ingram, the team’s leading scorer this season, will miss at least two weeks due to a left ankle sprain. Alvarado (hamstring) is considered week-to-week, while Murphy (ankle) is day-to-day.
Despite being expected to be in the running for a playoff spot this season, the Pelicans are currently sitting at the bottom of Western Conference with 5-25 record. The only worse team in the NBA are the Washington Wizards at 4-23.
