Zion Williamson. Injuries seem to follow him every season. It’s almost like a ritual now—a painful, recurring pattern. The 24-year-old power forward has yet to play a full, uninterrupted season. And once again, injury has sidelined him. Why does this always happen? Why can’t he catch a break? The New Orleans Pelicans are already facing their own struggles. Another injury report on their star player? It’s a major concern.

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported: “New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson suffered a hamstring strain and is out indefinitely. Williamson will be re-evaluated in the coming week.”

And there it is, the nightmare the Pelicans really didn’t need this season as well. Since his debut, Zion Williamson has missed a large chunk of the season due to his injury woes. However, there is good news for the team and it’s their 24-year-old star Trey Murphy III. While Zion will be sidelined, another soldier is ready to return on Monday against the Brooklyn Nets.

But, there is no way the Pelicans can keep away the fact that their most important player will be out. And not just out for a game or two, but indefinitely.

The Pelicans face an odd balance with Zion Williamson’s injury and Trey Murphy’s return

Zion Williamson has appeared in six games this season. He has already missed four games, but things might get rougher from here on. Well, it’s the Pelicans who stand on a disadvantageous stage. This is because Williamson is a player who in the words of Draymond Green, is “strong as hell” and “brings the ball to the rim.” Williamson missed the season opener due to an illness but returned in rotation for the next game. He continued to play the next five games but missed two back-to-backs earlier in November. Despite being listed for the game against the Cavs, Zion Williamson sat out due to hamstring tightness.

However, with the latest injury and obscurity over return, who will take the responsibility of the big guy Probably, Trey Murphy III could do the task for the New Orleans Pelicans. Senior NBA insider Chris Haynes’ sources say: “New Orleans Pelicans swingman Trey Murphy III (hamstring) has a target of making his season debut Monday versus the Brooklyn Nets.” 

So, it looks like one soldier is coming back from hamstring issues while another is going away to deal with the same. It is indeed an odd balance the Pelicans are facing right now. With Zion Williamson benched, their list of injured players keeps growing. CJ McCollum and Dejounte Murray, along with many others, have sidelined the backcourt and wing positions.

Thus th Pelicans face another season of challenges with Zion Williamson’s injuries. While Trey Murphy III’s return offers some hope, the team must rely on its depth to stay competitive during Zion’s indefinite absence.