NBA x NBL Preview: United v New Orleans Pelicans

We are set to make history on Friday night when we face off against the New Orleans Pelicans at Rod Laver Arena from 7:30pm.

The contest, which will be the first time an NBA team has competed on Australian soil, will act as a great test for Dean Vickerman and his players, who have started the 2025-26 season with a perfect 3-0 record.

For the Pelicans, this game will be the first of their pre-season as they come into the upcoming campaign with a new-look lineup surrounding star forward Zion Williamson.

WHAT’S THE WORD?

Despite the contest being an exhibition, our preparation for the game has remained the same, with our players committed to doing all they can to pick up the victory.

Speaking earlier in the week, Milton Doyle touched on how the team has approached the lead-up to Friday.

“We’re preparing like any other game,” Doyle said. 

“Going through the scout, going step-by-step and going through the process to see where we can get better. 

“I think it’s going to be great for them (the fans). Seeing guys like Zion (Williamson)... I think it’s a special moment.”

Equally excited for the game are Williamson and the Pelicans, with the former #1 Pick in the NBA Draft outlining what his group is hoping to get out of their time in Australia.

“We’re looking to compete,” Williamson explained.

“We respect our opponents and whatever knowledge we can take from these games, take back to the NBA, we’ll definitely do.”

WHO’S HOT, WHO'S NOT

Across our first three games of the NBL season, one of the most impressive aspects of our victories has been our ball movement on offence.

Last season, we produced the first season of the modern 40-minute era where a team averaged over 20 assists per game (21.2). This season, we have upped that number to 24 per game.

If we can move the ball effectively against the star defenders employed by the Pelicans, such as Herb Jones, Trey Murphy and Jose Alvarado, we will give ourselves the best opportunity to cause the upset. 

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs New Orleans Pelicans 

Tip-off: 7:30pm AEST, Friday 3 October, 2025

Where: Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne

Watch: Channel 10 and Amazon Prime Video