The New Orleans Pelicans announced that leading scorer Zion Williamson has a Grade 1 strain in his left hamstring and will be re-evaluated in 7 to 10 days.
That timeline means Williamson will miss at least four games, beginning with Tuesday night’s matchup against Charlotte. The team’s poor start — 0-6, including three defeats by 30 points or more — makes his absence especially damaging.
Hamstring troubles have become a recurring issue for Williamson. Will Guillory of The Athletic noted he has missed time for hamstring problems in each of the last four seasons.
When available this season Williamson has produced 22.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game. His value is reflected in the team’s on/off numbers: the Pelicans are outscored by 28.7 points per 100 possessions without him, compared with -9.7 per 100 with him on the floor.
With those gaps in performance and the team’s early struggles, New Orleans faces a difficult stretch while Williamson is sidelined.