Zion Williamson will miss his fourth consecutive game when the New Orleans Pelicans face the Phoenix Suns on Monday night. The All-Star forward continues to recover from a lingering hamstring injury, which has sidelined him since early November.
Team officials confirmed that Williamson remains listed as “out,” extending an already frustrating start to the 2025–26 NBA season for the former No. 1 overall pick.
Originally projected to miss seven to ten days, Williamson’s return timeline now appears indefinite, raising concerns about his health and the Pelicans’ early-season struggles.
Zion Williamson Injury Timeline
The Pelicans first reported Zion Williamson’s hamstring injury following a practice session earlier this month. According to the team’s medical staff, the decision to keep him sidelined is precautionary, given his history of lower-body injuries.
Since being ruled out on November 4, Williamson has missed games against the Mavericks, Rockets, Spurs, and now the Suns.
Before the injury, he played in five games, averaging:
22.8 points per game
6.8 rebounds
4.6 assists
48.7% shooting from the field
Williamson’s presence in the paint had been critical to the team’s inside scoring and rebounding before his absence. Without him, the Pelicans’ offensive rating has dropped significantly, and the team’s 2–7 record currently ranks near the bottom of the Western Conference standings.
Team and Coaching Staff Updates
Head coach Willie Green addressed Williamson’s recovery on Sunday, emphasizing patience with his return process:
“We’re taking it day by day. Zion’s working with our training staff, and we want him fully ready before he’s back on the court. There’s no sense rushing him — his long-term health is the priority.”
Team sources have echoed similar sentiments, noting that the forward has resumed light conditioning work but has yet to participate in full team practices.
Teammate Brandon Ingram also weighed in, saying,
“We miss what Zion brings — his energy, his power inside, and the way he opens up the floor for everyone else. We just have to hold it down until he’s back.”
Pelicans Without Zion
The Pelicans have struggled offensively without Zion Williamson, averaging just 104.6 points per game in his absence — down from 115.2 when he was active.
His ability to command double-teams and finish through contact has been irreplaceable, leaving Trey Murphy III, CJ McCollum, and Brandon Ingram to pick up the scoring load. However, the team’s spacing and interior defense have both suffered.
Defensively, the Pelicans are giving up an additional 7.5 points per game since Williamson’s injury, highlighting his value on both ends of the floor. Against the Phoenix Suns, led by Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, those gaps could be further exposed.
The Suns currently hold a +9.9 home net rating, ranking among the best in the league, while the Pelicans’ offensive efficiency ranks 28th overall since Zion’s absence.
What’s Next: Return Outlook and Upcoming Games
As of Monday, there is no official timetable for Zion Williamson’s return. The team’s medical staff continues to evaluate his progress, with the next major update expected later this week.
The New Orleans Pelicans will face the Phoenix Suns tonight, followed by road matchups against the Denver Nuggets and Golden State Warriors — a stretch that could further test the roster’s depth.
For now, fans remain hopeful that Williamson will return before the team’s mid-November homestand, though his recovery will be handled with extreme caution.
Ty Murray Net Worth Hits $6 Million — The Rodeo King’s Success Story Explained