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.

The New Orleans Pelicans are reportedly sticking with their stars despite a disappointing start to the 2024-25 season. Zion Williamson and C.J. McCollum

The New Orleans Pelicans are reportedly "happy" with Zion Williamson's conditioning and performance improvement

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.

According to NBA reporter William Guillory of The Athletic, the New Orleans Pelicans are very happy with Zion Williamson’s work to improve his conditioning.

T he New Orleans Pelicans and Denver Nuggets play for the second time in three nights on Wednesday evening. Denver won Monday's game 125-113 behind another triple-double from Niko