Nuggets vs. Pelicans: Zion Williamson Questionable as New Orleans Battles Injury Crisis

When the New Orleans Pelicans take the court against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at Ball Arena in Denver, the game’s outcome may hinge less on strategy and more on who’s healthy enough to play. The Pelicans, already reeling from a string of early-season absences, are facing a major blow with Zion Williamson listed as questionable due to a left foot bone contusion — a development that could cripple their offensive engine just as they’re trying to climb out of a 1-4 start.

Who’s Out, Who’s Hanging By a Thread

The New Orleans Pelicans injury report is a nightmare. Kevon Looney, the team’s veteran center, is officially out with a left knee sprain, expected to miss two to three weeks. Dejounte Murray, their primary playmaker and a 7.4-assist-per-game engine, is sidelined with an Achilles injury. That’s two starters gone — and the third, Williamson, is a coin flip.

Williamson, who averaged 24.6 points per game last season, practiced on Tuesday but was limited. He told reporters the injury is "nothing major," a phrase that rings hollow when you consider he’s missed 48 games over the past two seasons due to foot and knee issues. The team’s official gameday update confirmed his questionable status, but the uncertainty is palpable. If he plays, it’ll be with a brace, a limp, and a heavy burden on his shoulders.

And it doesn’t stop there. Jordan Poole, their third-leading scorer at 20.5 points per game, is questionable with a knee issue. Yves Missi, the 7-foot rookie, is battling an illness. The Pelicans’ backcourt — already thin — now looks like a patchwork quilt. Jordan Hawkins, who averages just 1.2 assists per game, may be forced into a starting role alongside a rookie guard. That’s not a plan. That’s desperation.

The Nuggets’ Advantage — And Their Own Small Hurdle

Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets are rolling. Nikola Jokić is putting up numbers that feel like they’re from a video game: 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, 10.2 assists per game. He’s the only player in NBA history to average at least 29-12-10 through 67 games. His presence alone makes Denver a 12.5-point favorite — and rightly so.

But it’s not all smooth sailing in Denver. Cameron Johnson, their sharpshooting small forward who averages 18.8 points per game, is questionable with right shoulder inflammation. He’s a key floor-spacer, and his absence would tighten the paint for Jokić. Still, even without Johnson, Denver’s depth is staggering. Jamal Murray, who’s averaging 21.4 points and 6.0 assists, can carry the offense. Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon are healthy and hungry.

The twist? The Nuggets don’t need Williamson to play. They just need him to be limited. If he’s on the floor, he’s a threat. If he’s not? The Pelicans’ offense collapses into a mess of isolation attempts and contested mid-range jumpers.

Why This Game Matters Beyond the Box Score

This isn’t just about one game. It’s about the Pelicans’ season. After a promising offseason, they’ve been derailed by injuries before the calendar even turned to November. They lost their first four games. Their win on October 27 against the Clippers? That came without Williamson, Murray, or Looney. They won on grit — and luck. Can they keep doing that? Probably not.

Meanwhile, Denver is building momentum. They’re 5-1. Jokić is in MVP form. The team’s chemistry is clicking. If they win this game by 20+, it’s not just a statement — it’s a warning. The Western Conference is wide open, and the Nuggets are running with a full head of steam.

And then there’s the human angle. Williamson, just 24, has already been through more injuries than most players face in a decade. His "nothing major" comment is a shield. He’s trying to protect himself — and his future. But the truth? He knows how much this team needs him. He knows the fans are desperate for a reason to believe. He knows the clock is ticking.

What’s Next for Both Teams

If Williamson plays, expect him to be on a minutes restriction — maybe 25-30 minutes max. The Pelicans will lean on Poole (if he plays), Trey Murphy III (21.2 ppg), and Jaxson Hayes to create space. They’ll need a miracle from their bench.

If he sits? The Pelicans will likely lose by 25. The spread is too steep. The odds aren’t just against them — they’re stacked like a house of cards.

For Denver, the focus shifts to rest. With a tough stretch coming — home against the Warriors, then a road trip to Phoenix — they’ll need to manage minutes. Jokić won’t play 40 again. But they can afford to be cautious. The Pelicans? They can’t.

Background: A Franchise in Peril

The New Orleans Pelicans have been a team of promise and pain since 2019. After trading Anthony Davis, they bet big on Williamson. He delivered in flashes — 30-point games, dunks that broke the internet, playoff runs. But injuries have stolen his prime before it even began. In 2023, he missed 58 games. In 2024, 41. Now, in 2025, he’s already missed three of the first five.

The organization, owned by Gayle Benson, has spent heavily on talent — Murray, Poole, Murphy — but the foundation is crumbling. They need a healthy Williamson to make sense of their roster. Without him? They’re just another lottery team with a big name.

Denver, by contrast, is built to last. Owned by Ann Walton Kroenke, the Nuggets have stability — coaching continuity, medical staff, and a culture built around Jokić’s genius. They don’t need miracles. They just need to show up.