Zion Williamson Sidelined Again with Hamstring Strain, Health Remains Key Concern for Pelicans

Zion Williamson will miss Sunday's game against the Warriors due to a hamstring strain, continuing his persistent injury struggles. Despite playing a career-high 70 games in 2023-24, he suffered a hamstring injury during the Play-In Tournament, sidelining him for the postseason. In those 70 games, he averaged 22.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.7 blocks with 57/33/70 shooting splits, finishing 67th in eight-category leagues. His poor three-point and free-throw shooting, coupled with his extensive injury history (only 114 total games in five seasons, missing all of 2021-22), make him a fantasy liability despite elite production when healthy (26.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.6 assists on 60.8% FG in 29 games in 2022-23). The Pelicans' addition of Dejounte Murray could boost efficiency but might reduce Williamson's usage, and he may play more center in 2024-25. A former No. 1 overall pick, Williamson's dominant scoring and athleticism are undeniable, but his long-term value hinges on his ability to stay on the court, with concerns about sitting out back-to-backs and his overall defensive and shooting weaknesses.