Crisis Deepens for Winless Pelicans as Star Forward Zion Williamson Suffers Hamstring Injury

The New Orleans Pelicans, a franchise that entered the 2025-26 NBA season with elevated expectations and a significant investment in their future, find themselves mired in an unprecedented early-season crisis. Just two weeks into the campaign, the Pelicans remain one of only two teams in the league without a victory, holding an abysmal 0-6 record. This dire start has been compounded by the recent news of star forward Zion Williamson suffering a Grade 1 hamstring strain, an injury expected to sideline him for a minimum of 7-10 days, further dimming hopes for an immediate turnaround.

The optimistic outlook for New Orleans was largely predicated on a strategic move made in the offseason. The team traded its unprotected 2026 first-round draft pick to the Atlanta Hawks, a decision that underscored their belief in their current roster’s ability to contend and negated any future incentive to tank. With the No. 10 pick acquired from the Hawks as part of that trade, the Pelicans selected Derik Queen, a promising young talent expected to contribute to their frontcourt rotation. This aggressive stance signaled a clear intent to build upon previous seasons and establish themselves as a formidable presence in the Western Conference.

However, the reality on the court has starkly contrasted these aspirations. The Pelicans’ 0-6 record is not merely a reflection of losses, but of a team struggling profoundly on both ends of the floor. Three of their six defeats have been by margins exceeding 30 points, including a 138-105 rout by the Orlando Magic on opening night, a 129-98 loss to the Utah Jazz, and a 145-109 drubbing by the Oklahoma City Thunder. This alarming trend has resulted in the league’s worst net rating, a staggering -18.3, indicative of a team consistently outplayed and outscored by its opponents. The average margin of defeat for New Orleans through six games stands at 22.3 points, highlighting a profound competitive deficit.

Within the organization, the mounting losses have reportedly led to internal unrest. Whispers emanating from the locker room suggest that head coach Willie Green, now in his fourth season at the helm, may be struggling to maintain control and connect with his players. Green, who guided the Pelicans to a playoff appearance in his inaugural season (2021-22) and an improved regular season record last year, now faces intense scrutiny as his seat grows demonstrably hotter with each successive defeat. The pressure on Green is further amplified by the team’s forfeited 2026 draft pick, which removes the typical safety net of rebuilding through high draft capital and demands immediate competitive results.

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The absence of Zion Williamson, the team’s undisputed cornerstone, exacerbates an already precarious situation. Williamson leads the Pelicans in nearly every major statistical category, averaging 23.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game through the initial six contests. His unique blend of explosive athleticism, scoring prowess, and playmaking ability makes him indispensable to New Orleans’ offensive and defensive schemes. A Grade 1 hamstring strain, while considered minor, carries significant concern given Williamson’s extensive history of lower-body injuries. Since being drafted first overall in 2019, Williamson has battled numerous ailments, including a torn meniscus, multiple right foot fractures, and previous hamstring issues, limiting him to an average of just 37 games per season over his career. This pattern of recurring injuries has instilled a deep sense of anxiety among fans and within the organization, fearing that this latest setback could linger or lead to further complications, undermining any attempt at sustained team success.

The Pelicans’ frontcourt, already identified as a critical area of weakness, becomes even more vulnerable without Williamson. The roster has struggled with a notable lack of traditional size and bulk in the paint. While Kevon Looney, acquired in the offseason to provide veteran presence and rebounding, made his debut in the recent blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, his impact alone is insufficient to address the systemic issues. Young centers Yves Missi and Derik Queen, both promising but light on NBA experience and physical stature, have been forced into significant roles. Missi, a second-year player, and Queen, the rookie, both possess athleticism and potential but struggle to consistently contend with the league’s more physical big men. This deficiency in paint presence has directly translated into New Orleans being one of the NBA’s worst rebounding teams, currently ranking 28th in total rebounds per game (40.7) and last in defensive rating, allowing an alarming 126.5 points per 100 possessions.

In Williamson’s absence, Coach Green will be compelled to make significant adjustments to his rotation and offensive strategy. Rookie Derik Queen is expected to see extended minutes, moving beyond his average of 17.5 minutes off the bench in the initial games. Queen’s offensive capabilities, particularly his ability to score inside and out, will be crucial, as few other frontcourt options on the roster provide comparable versatility. Furthermore, the Pelicans will heavily rely on the performance of other key perimeter players. Trey Murphy III, who has endured an early-season shooting slump, must elevate his game to a star-level talent to help shoulder the offensive load. Murphy’s current shooting percentages are well below his career averages, and a return to form is imperative. Similarly, Jordan Poole, acquired in the offseason, is expected to take on an even larger role in the offense, tasked with increased ball-handling responsibilities and scoring opportunities to compensate for Williamson’s absence. Poole’s ability to create his own shot and facilitate for others will be vital for a team struggling to generate efficient offense.

The immediate outlook for the Pelicans remains bleak. With Williamson sidelined for at least the next four games, the question of when their first victory will arrive looms large. Their next opportunity comes on Tuesday night against the Charlotte Hornets, a team also dealing with significant injury issues, as they will be without star guard LaMelo Ball (ankle) and promising forward Brandon Miller (shoulder). Despite Charlotte’s struggles (currently 2-4), the Pelicans are only a short 2.5-point favorite at FanDuel, reflecting the market’s skepticism about their ability to win even against a depleted opponent.

Should the Pelicans fail to secure a victory against the Hornets, a challenging three-game road trip awaits before Williamson’s potential return. This stretch includes matchups against the Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, and Portland Trail Blazers. While Dallas (3-2) and Phoenix (2-3) have shown some vulnerability in the early going this season, and Portland (1-4) is in a rebuilding phase, these remain formidable Western Conference opponents, particularly on the road.

The remainder of New Orleans’ November schedule is exceptionally demanding, filled with matchups against established playoff contenders. Key games include another encounter with the Dallas Mavericks, a road game against the Atlanta Hawks, and a home contest against the Memphis Grizzlies (2-4). Failing to secure a win in any of these games, even against struggling opponents, could see the losing streak stretch to unprecedented lengths, further intensifying the pressure on the coaching staff and players alike.

A particularly telling fixture on the horizon is December 6, when the Pelicans are scheduled to host the Brooklyn Nets. The Nets are the only other winless team in the NBA at 0-6, setting the stage for what could be a "titanic battle of basketball inferiority." However, a crucial distinction exists between the two franchises: Brooklyn is actively engaged in a rebuilding phase, having recently traded assets to reacquire their draft picks, thus having an incentive to tank for future draft capital. The Pelicans, conversely, are under immense pressure to win due to their unprotected 2026 draft pick belonging to the Hawks. This lack of incentive to lose means every defeat carries significant long-term consequences, pushing the organization into an unenviable position where immediate success is paramount, yet increasingly elusive.