Shockwave Roster Update: Zion & Poole Status Confirmed For Pelicans' Next Game

The New Orleans Pelicans' injury report for Monday, December 15, 2025, is a story of major returns and a completely new roster dynamic, signaling a significant shift in the team's identity. Following their recent game against the Chicago Bulls, the Pelicans are enjoying a brief respite before their next matchup, and the health status of their key players—especially Zion Williamson and new acquisition Jordan Poole—is overwhelmingly positive, providing a much-needed boost to the squad.

The biggest news is the confirmed availability of the team’s superstar core, a welcome change for a franchise historically plagued by health concerns. The latest updates suggest the Pelicans are entering their next stretch of games with their primary rotation players healthy, allowing the coaching staff to fully integrate the new pieces acquired in the blockbuster trade that redefined the team's outlook for the 2025-2026 season. This fresh wave of health and talent is perfectly timed for their upcoming home stand.

The Definitive New Orleans Pelicans Injury Report (December 15, 2025)

As of today, December 15, 2025, the New Orleans Pelicans have a remarkably clean injury report concerning their primary rotation players. The only players listed as out are those on two-way contracts, who are currently assigned to the G League. This marks a massive improvement in overall team health compared to earlier in the month, when Zion Williamson was sidelined.

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The Pelicans' next game is scheduled for Thursday, December 18, 2025, at the Smoothie King Center against the Houston Rockets. The official injury report for this upcoming matchup reflects the following current statuses:

• Zion Williamson (PF): AVAILABLE. Recently returned from a right adductor strain. He was available for the team’s last game on December 14th against the Bulls.
• Jordan Poole (G): AVAILABLE. Recently returned from a quadriceps injury. Scored 22 points in his return on December 12th.
• CJ McCollum (G): AVAILABLE. No current injury is listed for the veteran guard.
• Jonas Valančiūnas (C): AVAILABLE. The starting center is healthy and ready for the next contest.
• Trey Murphy III (F): AVAILABLE. The dynamic young forward is healthy and playing a key role in the new offensive scheme.
• Hunter Dickinson (C): OUT (G League - Two-Way). The rookie center is currently on assignment with the team's G League affiliate.
• Trey Alexander (G): OUT (G League - Two-Way). Currently on assignment.

The most significant takeaway is the return of both Williamson and Poole to active duty. Their combined availability is the driving force behind the renewed optimism surrounding the team's push up the Western Conference standings after a tumultuous start to the season.

The Zion Williamson and Jordan Poole Availability Boost

The health of Zion Williamson is, and always will be, the number one factor in the New Orleans Pelicans' success. His recent status update is the most positive news the franchise has received this month. Williamson had been dealing with a nagging right adductor strain that forced him to miss time earlier in December. However, the latest reports confirm he has been cleared and was back on the court for the December 14th game.

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The team’s cautious approach with Williamson’s load management and minor ailments appears to have paid off. His presence provides the Pelicans with an unparalleled interior scoring threat and a dominant force in transition. His return is critical for the team's offensive efficiency, which often struggles when he is sidelined. The coaching staff, led by Willie Green, will be looking to ramp up his minutes carefully as they head into the busy holiday schedule.

Equally important is the confirmed availability of new star guard Jordan Poole. Poole, who was acquired in a major trade that reshaped the Pelicans' backcourt, recently made his return from a quadriceps injury. His return on December 12th saw him immediately contribute, scoring 22 points in a victory against the Portland Trail Blazers. Poole’s ability to score off the dribble, stretch the floor, and handle secondary playmaking duties is essential to the new-look Pelicans offense, especially in the wake of the major roster changes.

The duo of Williamson and Poole, combined with the steady veteran play of CJ McCollum and the interior presence of Jonas Valančiūnas, gives the Pelicans a formidable starting lineup. Their health is the key to unlocking the team's potential and making a serious run for a playoff spot in a competitive Western Conference.

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A New-Look Pelicans Roster: The Post-Ingram Era

The absence of former All-Star forward Brandon Ingram from the injury report is not due to a miraculous recovery, but rather a massive roster overhaul that took place earlier this year. Ingram, a cornerstone of the franchise for several seasons, was traded to the Toronto Raptors before the recent trade deadline. This move, which reportedly brought in players like Bruce Brown and facilitated the acquisition of Jordan Poole, fundamentally changed the Pelicans' offensive scheme and team dynamic.

Ingram's departure, following a history of ankle injuries and other ailments—including a significant period out with a sprained left ankle suffered in a previous December—closed a chapter for the Pelicans. The trade signaled a commitment to building the team entirely around Zion Williamson and a new, faster-paced style of play centered on the shooting and playmaking of Jordan Poole and Trey Murphy III.

This trade impact means that the Pelicans are now a team focused on high-octane offense, relying on Williamson's paint dominance and Poole's perimeter scoring. The team is no longer waiting for Ingram's return from injury; instead, they are integrating new pieces and defining a new identity. The current health of the roster, particularly the availability of Williamson and Poole, is the first true test of this new team composition and its ability to compete.

The upcoming game against the Houston Rockets on December 18th will be a crucial measuring stick for this new, healthy Pelicans squad. The Rockets, also a young, competitive team, will test the Pelicans' ability to execute their new offensive system and maintain defensive intensity. With their stars available, the expectation in New Orleans is high, and the focus shifts from injury management to winning games.

Impact of Two-Way Player Statuses

While the focus is often on the star players, it is important to note the status of the two-way players. Hunter Dickinson and Trey Alexander are both listed as OUT (G League - Two-Way). This designation is standard and indicates that the players are currently assigned to the Birmingham Squadron, the Pelicans' G League affiliate, for development and playing time. It is not a medical injury designation. These players are available to be called up at any time, but for the purposes of the active roster and the Pelicans injury report today, they are officially unavailable for the NBA team.

The Pelicans are looking to maximize the development of their young talent while maintaining a competitive NBA roster. The current health of the main squad allows them to keep these promising prospects in the G League to get valuable minutes, a luxury they haven't always had when injuries forced them to call up two-way players prematurely.

In summary, the New Orleans Pelicans are in their best health position of the season, with Zion Williamson and Jordan Poole both active and ready to play. The team is navigating a new era following the Brandon Ingram trade, and their current health status provides the perfect opportunity to see what this new, dynamic roster is truly capable of.