Melbourne United vs New Orleans Pelicans

The matchup is part of the NBAxNBL: Melbourne Series and will be held at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The game tips off on Friday, October 3, 2025, scheduled for 5:30 AM local time. This marks one of the first occasions an NBA franchise competes in Australia, giving the contest a historic feel as both leagues use the event to highlight international basketball growth.

The Pelicans entered the game missing some important players. Rookie Derik Queen was ruled out following wrist surgery, while defensive cornerstone Herb Jones was sidelined with an ankle sprain. Saddiq Bey filled one of the open starting roles, and Kevon Looney was set to start in the middle. Off the bench, Jose Alvarado and Jordan Hawkins were expected to provide energy and perimeter shooting, with fellow rookie Jeremiah Fears also set for extended minutes. Melbourne United had no widely reported injury concerns but were expected to rotate their bench heavily to test combinations against NBA opposition.

Pelicans coach Willie Green approached the matchup as both a tune-up and a chance to develop chemistry. With injuries affecting rotations, he leaned toward versatile lineups built around Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III, focusing on pace, spacing, and mismatches. Minutes were likely to be carefully managed to avoid fatigue during the preseason. For Melbourne United, the plan was to slow the tempo, challenge New Orleans’ transition game, and rely on physical defense and crowd support to keep the contest competitive.

Media build-up emphasized the landmark nature of the event, highlighting the Pelicans as the first NBA team to play in Australia in this format. Much of the attention centered on Zion Williamson’s presence as the star attraction, with curiosity about how the Pelicans’ revamped roster would look after offseason changes. In Australia, coverage positioned the game as a showcase for the NBL’s level of play and a valuable chance to measure themselves against NBA talent. Reporters also noted questions about team chemistry given the absences in New Orleans’ lineup.

Pregame studio discussions focused on two main themes: roster integration and physical matchups. Analysts highlighted the importance of Murphy and Williamson’s partnership, especially with other key players missing. They also pointed to Melbourne United’s physical style as a potential factor that could disrupt New Orleans’ rhythm. Travel and jet lag were mentioned as variables that might affect performance. While commentators cautioned against reading too much into an exhibition result, they agreed the game would offer early insight into the Pelicans’ readiness and serve as a valuable showcase for Australian basketball fans.