Overview
- New Orleans fell to 2-9 after a home loss to Portland, leaving the club near the bottom of the West as a five-game homestand gets tougher with the Lakers, Warriors, Thunder and Nuggets ahead.
- The team announced Zion Williamson has progressed to on-court work with contact following a Grade 1 left hamstring strain but set no timetable for his return.
- Coach Willie Green said Jordan Poole is also progressing in rehab and remains unavailable, with further updates to come.
- Pressure around Green has escalated as internal discussions weigh his future against preseason evaluation plans and the team’s injury turbulence, according to multiple reports.
- Rookie center Derik Queen delivered a 26-point career night versus Portland, with fellow lottery pick Jeremiah Fears and newcomer Saddiq Bey also cited as early bright spots.