Star forward Zion Williamson did his part in the loss, scoring 40 points on 16/21 shooting in just 28 minutes of play. Williamson has been on a minutes restriction since returning from this 27-game absence because of a hamstring injury.

Pelicans forward Zion Williamson talks about not playing in back-to-back sets throughout the 2024-25 season.

Let me make this clear to everybody out there. If I could play in the back-to-backs, I would. Physically? Yes, I can. But I work for

The New Orleans Pelicans made it through the NBA trade deadline without dealing Zion Williamson, although co-star Brandon Ingram was a victim of the league's craziest deadline ever. With Ingram getting traded to the Toronto Raptors, Williamson becomes the undoubted superstar in New Orleans, but that comes with some heavier expectations.

Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives to the basket Wednesday.

The New Orleans Pelicans made a huge deal ahead of Thursday's trade deadline by shipping All-Star forward Brandon Ingram to the Toronto Raptors. In return, the Pelicans received Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, one first-round pick, and one second-round pick, but most importantly moved Ingram before he hit unrestricted free agency this summer.