Another setback for New Orleans: Zion Williamson’s injury woes continue in 2025–26 season

The New Orleans Pelicans have suffered another blow in the 2025–26 NBA season as star forward Zion Williamson has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 right hip adductor strain, adding yet another injury to a career already marked by frequent setbacks.

The update was first reported by ESPN insider Shams Charania, who stated on X (formerly Twitter): “New Orleans Pelicans will miss extended time with a right adductor injury. He will be re-evaluated in three weeks.”

It remains unclear when Williamson sustained the injury, though he appeared in the Pelicans’ 104–96 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Sunday, November 30 (Philippine Standard Time), logging 31 minutes and delivering a game-high 25 points along with seven rebounds and four assists.

New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson will miss extended time with a right adductor injury, sources tell ESPN. He will be re-evaluated in three weeks. pic.twitter.com/NZtuinR4Qq

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 2, 2025

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

This marks Williamson’s second injury-related absence of the season. The 25-year-old previously missed eight games due to a Grade 1 left hamstring strain in November.

Injuries have been a persistent theme throughout Williamson’s career since he was selected first overall in the 2019 NBA Draft. He has played 30 games or fewer in four of his first six full seasons, including missing the entire 2021–22 campaign, and has dealt with a long list of injuries that have interrupted his development and consistency.

Williamson’s absence is a major blow to a Pelicans team already struggling with injuries across the roster. Through 10 games this season, he has averaged 22.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.6 steals in 30.9 minutes per contest. Despite being a two-time NBA All-Star and the franchise’s cornerstone, he has continued to battle the durability issues that have defined much of his tenure in New Orleans.

The timing of the setback is especially tough for the Pelicans, who sit at the bottom of the Western Conference standings with a 3–19 record, searching for stability amid a challenging start to the season.

👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate sports fans.