SI

Is Zion Williamson Playing Tonight? (Injury Update, Betting Impact for Nuggets vs. Pelicans)

The latest injury update for New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson on Wednesday against the Denver Nuggets.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson. | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

In this story:


UPDATE: Zion Williamson is AVAILABLE on Wednesday against Denver.


New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson has missed the. team's last eight games with a hamstring injury, and he's listed as questionable against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday.

This is the third game in a row that Williamson has been listed as questionable, so he should be nearing a return for the Pelicans after going down back on Nov. 2.

This season, Williamson has appeared in just five games, and the Pelicans have suffered because of it. New Orleans has lost six games in a row and is a Western Conferece-worst 2-12 in the 2025-26 season.

The former No. 1 overall pick is averaging 22.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game while shooting 48.7 percent from the field. So, losing Williamson has had a detrimental effect on the Pelicans' offense.

If he's able to play on Wednesday, Zion will attempt to close the gap between the Pelicans and the Nuggets, who enter this game as 14.5-point road favorites in the latest odds at DraftKings.

Here's a look at my favorite prop for Zion -- if he plays -- on Wednesday night.

Best Zion Williamson Prop Bet vs. Nuggets

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook.

Zion Williamson UNDER 5.5 Rebounds (-150)

This season, Williamson has played pretty normal minutes, clearing 30 minutes in three of his five appearance, but I can't imagine that the Pelicans will rush him back into a major role after an eight-game absence given his injury history.

So, I think the UNDER on his rebounds prop is the way to go on Wednesday night.

Denver ranks third in the NBA in rebounding percentage this season, and while Zion has three games with nine or more boards, he also did not log a single rebound in over 26 minutes in a blowout loss to Denver earlier this season.

So, the Nuggets have succeeded in keeping him off the glass already in the 2025-26 campaign. If Zion is limited in his action tonight, he's going to have a hard time reaching his season average on the glass.


Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Claim the latest DraftKings promo code offer today. Sign up and win your first $5 bet to get $300 in bonus bets instantly +3 months of NBA League Pass.


Published | Modified
Peter Dewey
PETER DEWEY

Peter is a senior editor for Sports Illustrated Betting. He has worked as a writer and editor for BetSided, NBC Sports, the Connecticut Sun and the Meriden Record-Journal covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, MLB, and more. A New York City resident, he is a hoops fanatic with a soft spot for his New York Knicks.

Share on XFollow @peterdewey2