Pelicans' Zion Williamson Out Indefinitely with Hip Strain

The New Orleans Pelicans announced on December 2, 2025, that star forward Zion Williamson has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 strain in his right hip adductor and will be sidelined indefinitely, with reevaluation planned in three weeks. The 25-year-old, who has already missed significant time this season due to a hamstring injury, is expected to sit out at least nine games, further complicating the team's dismal start with a league-worst 3-19 record.

Williamson returned from the hamstring issue on November 19 after missing eight consecutive games. He appeared in five of the Pelicans' next seven contests before sustaining the adductor strain during a loss to the Golden State Warriors on November 29. Initially listed as questionable for subsequent games against the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves, the injury was confirmed via medical imaging on Tuesday morning. In his 10 appearances this season, Williamson has averaged 22.1 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, underscoring his impact when healthy.

Interim head coach James Borrego addressed the setback before the Timberwolves game, emphasizing team support. "Nobody wants to be on the court more than Zion," Borrego said....