New Orleans Pelicans were expecting to make a big step in 2025-26, as they showed by trading the unprotected draft pick of 2026 to the Atlants Hawks to select Derik queen with the No. In June, the Pelicans selected Derik Queen with the No. 10 pick. The Pelicans have had a disastrous start to the season. They are currently 0-6 and one of only two teams left in the NBA without a win. Zion Williamson, who suffered a Grade I hamstring tear on Tuesday, will be out for 7-10 days. Williamson’s history of injury raises concerns that a hamstring sprain could persist or worsen later, adding to the stress on Pelicans fans. New Orleans’ 0-6 season has seen three losses that were by 30 or more points. The result is the league’s lowest net rating of -18.3. The rumours are that Willie Green’s seat is getting hotter and hotter as a result of this performance. Williamson, the team leader in rebounds, points, assists, and blocks per match, will not add to optimism about a sudden turnaround.
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Brad Botkin
Why Zion Williamson so important for PelicansWilliamson was the most important player in a New Orleans team that had many issues. The frontcourt, which was already lacking in size and heavily dependent on Wililamson, is the biggest issue. Kevon Looney debuted in a rout of the Oklahoma City Thunder, providing some help for Yves Missi and Queen, but both of the Pelicans’ young centers are light on size (especially Queen). New Orleans is not surprised that they are one of the worst defensive teams in the league and have the lowest defensive rating. This is due to their lack of size in the center. Green will have to wait and see how Queen performs in extended minutes without Williamson. The rookie, who has played only 17.5 minutes a game in his first six matches off the bench but is able to score, is something no other frontcourt option can offer. Trey Murphy III must shake off his early slump if the Pelicans are to be able to compete with star talent. Jordan Poole will also play an increasingly important role.
How long will the Pelicans be winless? With Williamson out for at least four more games, and possibly even longer, it is fair to ask when the Pelicans first victory will come. Tuesday night is their best shot against a Charlotte Hornets squad that will be missing LaMelo (ankle) as well as Brandon Miller (shoulder). New Orleans has a small advantage (-2.5 on FanDuel) with Williamson out. Zion may not return if the Pelicans lose against the Hornets. Dallas, Phoenix, and Portland are all beatable early in this season. If the Pelicans cannot win any of these five games, the Pelicans losing streak will continue for a long time, even after Williamson returns. Rest of November’s schedule is very brutal with many West contenders. They will have the best chances of winning the remaining games in November against Atlanta (again), Dallas and Memphis Grizzlies.
The Brooklyn Nets could face a titanic basketball battle on Dec. 6, if they can’t win any of these games. The Nets actively tank after trading in order to get their draft choices back while the Pelicans try their best to win as they have no reason to lose since their pick belongs to the Hawks.
2025-11-04 22:44:06
