Zion Williamson’s streak of good health has come to an end as he will miss the Pelicans’ upcoming game against the Clippers on Sunday because of a sprained ankle sustained during Saturday’s victory over the Jazz. The 25-year-old forward had appeared in a career-best 35 consecutive games before being sidelined.
This season, Williamson has participated in 45 games, marking the third-highest total in his seven-year NBA career. The former No. 1 overall draft pick has dealt with frequent injuries since entering the league in 2019, which has impacted his play and availability. Despite averaging a career-low 21.5 points and matching a career-low 5.8 rebounds per game this season, he had been able to maintain a steady presence on the court in recent months.
Performance and Recent Form During the Season
New Orleans has enjoyed a strong end to February, winning six of eight games. Williamson contributed notable figures throughout the month, averaging 20.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.2 steals while playing 30.1 minutes per game. Over his career, the Duke product has posted averages of 24.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per match, showcasing his all-around game when healthy.
Chronic Injury Challenges Throughout Williamson’s Career
Williamson’s current ankle problem is just the latest hurdle in a career marked by injury setbacks. He missed the start of his rookie campaign after tearing the meniscus in his right knee during preseason on October 13, 2019, which caused a 44-game absence. His NBA debut ultimately came on January 22, 2020.
After a strong second year highlighted by 61 games played and an All-Star selection, Williamson fractured his left ring finger, forcing him to miss six games to finish the season. In September 2021, he suffered a Jones fracture in his right foot that required surgery and sidelined him for the entire 2021-22 season. He returned to play in October 2022 but then battled a right hamstring injury during the 2022-23 season, limiting him to 29 games and causing him to miss the Pelicans’ play-in contest.
Williamson’s most durable season came in 2023-24 when he appeared in a career-high 70 games. However, during that year’s play-in loss to the Lakers, he strained his left hamstring despite scoring 40 points. In early November 2024, he suffered another left hamstring strain costing him 27 games, followed by a lower back contusion in March 2025 that ended his season 12 games early.
The current 2025-26 season has brought more physical setbacks, including a right adductor strain and an additional hamstring issue, both resulting in missed games. Across his career, Williamson has played 259 games while missing 296, a gap that is now set to widen.
Details of Williamson’s Current Contract with the Pelicans
Given the recurring injuries, it is important to consider Williamson’s contract situation. He is now in the third year of a five-year contract worth $197.2 million with New Orleans. For the current season, his salary is $39.4 million, with planned increases to $42.2 million next season and $44.9 million in 2027-28. Such earnings highlight the financial stakes tied to his availability and health.
Outlook for Williamson and the Pelicans Moving Forward
Williamson’s latest injury raises concerns about his capacity to remain healthy consistently, which is crucial for the Pelicans’ success this season and beyond. His presence on the court significantly affects the team’s performance, so how he recovers from this setback will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. Continued injury difficulties could influence both team strategy and Williamson’s future role in the league.
After playing in a career-high 35 consecutive games, New Orleans’ Zion Williamson (right ankle sprain) has been ruled out on the road against the LA Clippers. https://t.co/DjMdnAsdKb
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) March 2, 2026
