Bad news for the New Orleans Pelicans, who will have to do without Zion Williamson for at least a week. The forward has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 strain of the left hamstring and will be reevaluated in 7–10 days to determine the recovery timeline.

The news comes at a tough time for New Orleans, still winless after six games. On Tuesday night, the Pelicans will host Charlotte at the Smoothie King Center, trying to break free from a rough start to the season.

In their last game – a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder – Williamson was the team’s best performer, finishing with 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists. His season averages highlight his importance to the team: 22.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game.

But the real issue remains the same: staying healthy. Since being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 Draft, Zion has played more than 61 games in only two of his six NBA seasons. Last year, he was limited to 30 appearances before being sidelined in March with a back contusion.

This time, the hamstring problem seems less serious, but the Pelicans don’t want to risk a setback. Williamson had already missed one game in late October due to a left foot contusion but returned shortly after.

Still, his absence is a major blow for a team struggling to find balance and offensive rhythm. Without Zion, it will be up to Trey Murphy III and Jordan Poole to carry the load and keep the Pelicans’ hopes alive.