Zion unleashed for Melbourne Series

In just over one week, basketball fans will get the chance to see the New Orleans Pelicans on Australian soil, with two NBA xNBL games lined up for the US franchise in Melbourne.

And in music to all fans' ears, Pelicans Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, Joe Dumars, said superstar Zion Williamson is fit and firing for the matches against Melbourne (Friday) and South East Melbourne (Sunday).

“Zion has been great [during the pre-season],” Dumars said during the Pelicans' recent media availability.

“He's been working extremely hard and really pushing himself hard - I have been happy with him this summer.”

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Echoing Dumars' praise for the electric two-time NBA All Star, who averaged 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.6 assists last season, is ESPN's Marc J Spears.

"The day before I went fishing in New Orleans, I had dinner with Willie Green... he said Zion looks great. He is showing a lot more leadership," Spears said via ESPN's NBA Today.

"If you look at their roster, it's a lot deeper and better than a lot of people think."

Dumars said the NBAxNBL Melbourne Series isn’t just about growing the NBA and Pelicans brands – it’s a vital tune-up for his team’s 2025-26 campaign.

"Usually trips like this are great for bonding," Dumars said.

"It’s a new group now with a lot of new faces, so it’ll probably be really good for that. "

A new ticket release for the NBAxNBL Melbourne Series is selling fast for two games at John Cain Arena, against Melbourne United and the South East Melbourne Phoenix.

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As well as the two fixtures, the Pelicans will also be hosting an open training session on Thursday, October 2, before a Fan Night and Luncheon on Saturday and Sunday respectively.

What tickets can I buy?

- Game 1 – New Orleans Pelicans vs. Melbourne United - Friday, October 3, 2025 - 7.30pm AEST
- Game 2 – New Orleans Pelicans vs. South East Melbourne Phoenix - Sunday, October 5, 2025 - 2PM AEDT

- Pelicans Open Training – Thursday, October 2, 2025, 1pm AEST : Includes an exclusive first look at the team’s training, player Q&A and more
- NBA x NBL Fan Night – Saturday, October 4, 2025, 6pm AEST: A showcase event with player performances, basketball challenges, live entertainment and more

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