Zion Williamson's Injury Status for Pelicans vs Rockets

Pelicans forward Zion Williamson is on the injury report with a hamstring strain.

Dec 23, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) dribbles against Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images / Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

The New Orleans Pelicans travel to the Toyota Center on Thursday night to face the Houston Rockets. New Orleans has struggled mightily on the road this season, winning just one game away from the Smoothie King Center. Overall, the Pelicans are 5-22 on year, the worst record in the Western Conference.

A major reason for the Pelicans' struggles was their best players' lack of availability. That trend continues as the team released its injury report for Thursday, and star forward Zion Williamson remains out with a hamstring injury.

Jordan Hawkins is questionable for Thursday's game in Houston#Pelicans | @MorrisBartLLC https://t.co/iFPFH4ooZW

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) December 18, 2024

Williamson has appeared in six games this season, averaging 22.7 points, eight rebounds, and 5.3 assists. He is shooting a career-low 45.2% from the field. Many hoped he could build upon his success last season when he appeared in 70 games, a career-high. However, another injury-plagued year has people questioning his future in New Orleans.

Zion signed a five-year extension in 2022, with the contract stipulating Williamson maintain a certain weight for incentivization. The contract also contained language he needed to meet specific game availability requirements for guaranteed money. If he didn't, much of his contract would be non-guaranteed. New Orleans could then theoretically release him without a significant financial hit.

A recent report suggested Williamson could be moved soon, with the Pelicans' abysmal start having them looking at the future. New Orleans is reportedly open to exploring trade talks with everyone on the team except Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, and Yves Missi. What value Williamson has in the open market, given his injury history, remains to be seen.

Tip-Off for Thursday's game is set for 7:00 p.m.

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