ORLANDO, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 16: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans looks on during the first half of a preseason game against the Orlando Magic at the Kia Center on October 16, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)

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Justin Grasso

By Justin Grasso

Contributing Sports Writer

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The New Orleans Pelicans are hoping to get Zion Williamson back in the mix soon. Lately, the veteran forward has been dealing with a hamstring injury, which has forced a string of absences.

When the Pelicans released their injury report on Sunday night, Williamson was officially upgraded to questionable for the matchup. That was a promising sign for the team that’s looking to get back on track after making a major move.

Late last week, the Pelicans decided to part ways with the head coach, Willie Green. After putting together the worst start to the 2025-2026 NBA season, the Pelicans announced a change at head coach, bumping James Borrego to the top of the line with an interim title for now.

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At 2-11, the Pelicans could use their top star back in the mix.

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 16: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans looks on from the bench during the first half of a preseason game against the Orlando Magic at the Kia Center on October 16, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)

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Will Zion Williamson Make His Return vs. Oklahoma City Thunder?

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While Willamson seems to be progressing well, the Pelicans will not have him back on the court just yet.

Williamson was healthy and available for the Pelicans at the start of the year. He played in the first two games of the season before getting a game off against the Boston Celtics on October 27.

When the Pelicans hit the road to face the Denver Nuggets, Williamson was back on the court and appeared in all three of New Orleans’ road games. The November 2 matchup against the OKC Thunder was Williamson’s final game before he went out with his setback.

The Pelicans played the last seven games without the star forward. Although they won their first two games without him, they lost the following five matchups. Heading into the second night of a back-to-back set, the Pelicans are in the midst of a five-game losing streak.

OKC and New Orleans are set to tip at 8 PM ET on Monday.

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