Tag: New Orleans Pelicans

Rookie Queen erupts for first triple double in Pelicans’ narrow loss to Spurs

Derik Queen
December 2025

Pelicans rookie Derik Queen delivered his first NBA triple double with 33 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in only his 25th game, carrying New Orleans back from a twenty point deficit before missing a late go ahead shot in a tight 135-132 defeat to the Spurs. Drafted thirteenth after New Orleans traded consecutive first rounders to Atlanta, Queen bullied defenders inside, finished tough paint looks and created for team mates, earning praise from Alvarado and interim coach Borrego as a rare bright spot amid the Pelicans’ 3-23 start and heavy external criticism of the trade.

Zion Williamson sidelined indefinitely with hip adductor strain

Zion Williamson
December 2025

The New Orleans Pelicans ruled out Zion Williamson indefinitely with a grade 2 right hip adductor strain after fresh imaging, another major setback for the former No 1 pick who had already missed significant time this season with a hamstring problem. Coach James Borrego said the team learned of the issue on Tuesday and are taking his recovery day by day, stressing that nobody wants to play more th

Kevon Looney spells out how he wants to be remembered

Kevon Looney
November 2025

Kevon Looney has reflected on a decade with Golden State during his first return as a Pelican, saying he wants to be remembered as a tough, selfless big man who showed up every night, did the dirty work, never complained and brought a professional mindset to the Warriors’ locker room. The three time champion, who once played nearly 300 straight games, highlighted his willingness to accept any role and focus on rebounding and effort, while Steve Kerr praised his maturity, extra possessions and quiet leadership, admitting Golden State still miss the stability Looney provided on and off the floor.

Zion Williamson returns from hamstring strain in Pelicans’ loss to Nuggets

Zion Williamson
November 2025

Zion Williamson made his comeback for New Orleans with 14 points, six rebounds and five assists in 29 minutes during a 125-118 loss to Denver, offering a vital on-court boost to a Pelicans team that has slumped badly without him. Interim coach James Borrego kept Zion on a managed load in his first game since early November, praising his impact on the team’s spirit and the gravity he created for scorers like rookie Derik Queen, but New Orleans’ 2-13 record underlines how fragile their season remains around his availability.

Pelicans fire Willie Green and hand Borrego the reins after 2-10 collapse

Willie Green and James Borrego (New Orleans Pelicans)
November 2025

The New Orleans Pelicans dismissed head coach Willie Green after a 2-10 opening, installing assistant James Borrego as interim boss while Joe Dumars cited repeated losses in the same manner and a failure to establish nightly effort as key reasons for the decision. Green’s tenure was shaped by Zion Williamson’s recurring injuries and only two first round playoff exits, while Dumars rebuilt the roster with veterans and lottery picks that have yet to gel. Borrego inherits a struggling squad with 70 games left and vows to add toughness and his own imprint immediately.

Fox to debut for Spurs on Saturday vs Pelicans

De’Aaron Fox (San Antonio Spurs)
November 2025

fter March finger surgery and an offseason hamstring setback, Fox is cleared for his first game of the season. He averaged 19.7 points in 17 games with San Antonio last year before Victor Wembanyama’s DVT ended the rookie’s season. Expect minutes management and two-guard creation with staggered usage alongside primary wings. Early emphasis: rim pressure, pace, and late-clock bailout scoring to balance the offense while timing ramps.

Zion Williamson out at least a week with Grade 1 hamstring strain

Zion Williamson (New Orleans Pelicans)
November 2025

Zion sustained a left hamstring strain and will miss at least one week. He has played five of six games, averaging 22.8 points, after earlier foot bruising. Availability remains the central constraint on New Orleans’ ceiling and lineup continuity. Expect usage redistribution to perimeter creators and more half-court sets without Zion’s downhill gravity. Medical staff will manage ramp-up with graded sprinting and deceleration tests to avoid re-strain, prioritising medium-term durability over immediate returns.

Jokic matches record with fourth straight triple-double

Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets)
October 2025

Jokic delivered 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists in Denver’s 122-88 rout of New Orleans, matching the NBA record for four consecutive triple-doubles to start a season. He now trails only Robertson and Westbrook on the all-time list with 168 total. Denver’s dominance stemmed from high-ball reversals and Jokic’s early paint reads. He logged just 28 minutes before resting the fourth quarter as the Nuggets’ third-period 24-0 run sealed it. Jokic can break the record Friday versus Portland in the NBA Cup opener.

Pelicans sign DeAndre Jordan amid frontcourt injuries

DeAndre Jordan (New Orleans Pelicans)
October 2025

With Kevon Looney sidelined (knee) and rookie Yves Missi day-to-day (ankle), New Orleans added veteran center DeAndre Jordan on a one-year pact. The former All-Star bolsters rim protection, screening, and rebounding depth beside Zion Williamson. Expect situational minutes, drop coverage heavy looks, and second-unit stabilization as the Pelicans navigate a tricky early schedule.

Pelicans lose Kevon Looney to knee sprain

Kevon Looney (New Orleans Pelicans)
October 2025

Looney sustained a proximal tibiofibular ligament sprain in his left knee on the Australia preseason trip and will be re-evaluated in two to three weeks. Plan is to rest and light work before a surgery call. Earliest return points to late November, thinning Pelicans size at the season’s start.

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