What happened to Zion Williamson? Pelicans star forward receives heartbreaking injury update

The New Orleans Pelicans’ winless start to the 2025 NBA season just took another painful turn. Star forward Zion Williamson has suffered a Grade 1 left hamstring strain, the team announced Tuesday, sidelining him for at least seven to ten days.

The 25-year-old will be re-evaluated after that period, but no official return date has been set.The timing couldn’t be worse for New Orleans, which sits at 0-6 after a rough opening stretch. Williamson had been one of the few bright spots, leading the team in scoring, rebounding, and assists. His latest setback adds another chapter to a career that’s been defined as much by injuries as by his explosive talent.

Zion Williamson’s latest hamstring injury halts strong start

Before his injury, Zion Williamson was averaging 22.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game, proving once again why he’s the centerpiece of the Pelicans’ offense.

In Sunday’s loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, he led the team with 20 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, displaying the versatility that made him the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.But just days later, the Pelicans confirmed the news fans dreaded. “Zion Williamson has been diagnosed with a grade 1 left hamstring strain. He will be re-evaluated in 7-10 days and further updates will be appropriately provided.,”

the team’s statement read. The announcement sparked concern, given Williamson’s long history of lower-body injuries, particularly hamstring issues that have sidelined him repeatedly in recent seasons.

Since entering the league, Williamson has played in just 219 of a possible 478 regular-season games, missing more time than he’s been available. He appeared in only 30 contests last season before a back injury ended his campaign early.

Despite these interruptions, his efficiency remains elite, averaging 24.6 points on 58.6% shooting for his career.The setback is particularly disheartening considering Williamson’s efforts to start the season healthy. He told reporters during training camp, “It feels good to feel good. I haven’t felt like this since college or high school.” His improved conditioning and dominant preseason performances had reignited hope that he might finally play a full season.Now, that hope is once again on pause. The Pelicans, desperate to turn their season around, must regroup without their franchise cornerstone.Also Read: Kawhi Leonard’s name dragged once again as 11 Aspiration investors filed lawsuit against LA Clippers owner Steve Ballmer