Zion Williamson poised for Australian debut as Pelicans make NBA history
The buzz surrounding Zion Williamson has reached a fever pitch as the Pelicans gear up for their historic preseason outings in Australia. Fans are eager to witness the rejuvenated version of Williamson, who has slimmed down and appears ready to showcase his talents on the court.
Historic Preseason Matchups
For the first time, an NBA team will play in Australia, with Williamson and his New Orleans teammates facing off against professional teams from the National Basketball League (NBL). The Pelicans will take the court at Rod Laver Arena, the iconic venue best known for hosting the Australian Open tennis tournament. They will compete against Melbourne United and the South East Melbourne Phoenix, marking a significant moment in the NBA’s global outreach and a thrilling event for Australian basketball enthusiasts.
Game Details and Viewing Options
Fans in the United States will want to mark their calendars for this unique opportunity. Both games will be broadcast live on NBA TV, providing an excellent chance for viewers to see how the revamped Pelicans lineup, featuring stars like Dejounte Murray and Jordan Poole, performs on this international stage.
For those looking to stream the action, Fubo offers a live feed of these matches, complete with a free trial for new subscribers. This service allows fans to access a variety of channels, including ESPN, ABC, and CBS, ensuring they won’t miss any of the excitement.
Timing Adjustments for U.S. Viewers
Given that Melbourne operates on a time zone 14 hours ahead of Eastern Time and 15 hours ahead of New Orleans, fans will need to adjust their schedules accordingly. Here’s when to catch the Pelicans in action:
Pelicans vs. Melbourne United
Date: Friday, Oct. 3
Time: 5:30 a.m. ET | 4:30 a.m. CT
Pelicans vs. South East Melbourne Phoenix
Date: Saturday, Oct. 4
Time: 11 p.m. ET | 10 p.m. CT
This historic venture not only highlights the Pelicans’ commitment to growing the game internationally but also offers a platform for Williamson to shine, as he looks to put his injury woes behind him and lead his team into a promising season.
