Pelicans vs Melbourne United Preview: Slimmed-Down Zion Teams Up with Poole, Garnett and Allen to Watch Live

At 17:30 Beijing time on October 3rd, the New Orleans Pelicans will compete against Australia's Melbourne United in a preseason matchup. The Pelicans are scheduled for two preseason games in Australia, with the next rival being the South East Melbourne Phoenix. Hall of Famers Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett intend to watch these two contests.

Zion, who has significantly slimmed down this summer, teaming up with new Pelicans recruit Poole, will be a key focus in the preseason. Has Zion become faster? Will the weight loss affect his physicality? Can Poole quickly adapt to the new team? These questions will begin to be answered during the games.

Over the years, many Australian players have entered the NBA, including Mills, Ingles, Ben Simmons, Langdon, Delly, and Giannis, among others. Kyrie Irving was also born there.

Pelicans coach Willie Green stated that as the first NBA team to travel to Australia, this is a historic occasion. Additionally, such a trip offers many other benefits, helping to strengthen team unity. NBA players have previously played in Australia, but only as part of the USA Basketball team; this is the first time an entire NBA team has traveled there.

Green said: “This is a great bonding opportunity for all our players. We’re excited to engage with Australian fans. For many of us, this is our first time in Australia. They’re extremely enthusiastic. We’ll carefully watch our players, have dinner together, participate in some fan events, and come back stronger.”

Trey Murphy said: “I’ve never been to Australia before, so this trip is a personal bucket list experience. Being able to travel and play basketball with some of my best friends is something I love, and I’m really excited. It’s a sport you play from a young age, and it’s taken me and my teammates all around the world.” This game against Melbourne United will also be Murphy’s first since missing last season due to injury. “Getting back on the court with my brothers to kick off this show feels amazing.”

Pelicans injury update as follows—

Dejounte Murray is out, while Zion, Quinn, Missy, Pivi, and Matkovich are all day-to-day.