Pelicans game tonight: Pelicans vs Nets odds, injury report, predictions, TV channel for Oct. 19

The New Orleans Pelicans tip off their regular season tonight in a tough road matchup against the Brooklyn Nets that will be one of the best games of the night.

The big news will be the return of Zion Williamson and Ben Simmons, who both missed all of last season and hope to bounce back in a big way.

The Pelicans had some nagging injuries in the preseason that kept their starting five from playing together, but they looked great otherwise and got contributions from the entire roster.

This will be a great early test for both teams, as they both have aspirations of winning a title and there will be plenty of star power on display on both sides. We could see a new rivalry born in this first game, as these two teams will have some competitive matchups.

New Orleans Pelicans vs Brooklyn Nets: Odds and Spread, Over/Under

According to FanDuel, New Orleans is a 2.5 point underdog on the road tonight against Brooklyn.

The money lines are set at +126 for the Pels and -148 for the Nets and the over/under is 230.5 combined points.

The line indicates that books think this one is going to be about even, as the home team is usually afforded a couple of points, so if you like New Orleans to win, just take the better odds on the money line.

The point total seems slightly high for a first game, though these two teams have plenty of guys who can score. The Nets are missing two of their key shooters, which could make them slightly easier to defend.

Pelicans injury report

Kira Lewis Jr. will not play in the first game and will be out for the foreseeable future as he tries to rehab from last season’s injury. Jaxson Hayes has been updated to day-to-day, which is a promising sign, but he’s still unlikely to play tonight against the Nets.

This will be as close to full strength as New Orleans has been in nearly two years, so fans will be buzzing to get a first look at the full starting five.

The Nets will be missing Joe Harris, Seth Curry and TJ Warren.

New Orleans Pelicans vs Brooklyn Nets: Prediction

This is a tough opening night matchup on the road, especially considering New Orleans didn’t get a chance for their starting five to play together in the preseason.

Trying to slow down Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving will obviously be key, so we may see coach Willie Green throw the kitchen sink at both of them, especially with Curry and Harris out. Herb Jones will probably get the early assignment against Durant, and we will see everyone from CJ McCollum to Jose Alvarado to Dyson Daniels take on Irving at times.

As tough as this matchup is, I still like the Pelicans to win, as they are rolling right now and will get big contributions from their bench that will make the difference. Expect a big game from Zion, Jonas Valanciunas and Trey Murphy III and for the Pels to start the season in exciting fashion.

Hopefully New Orleans will punish the smaller Nets down low, play physical and get out and run off of turnovers.

New Orleans 112, Brooklyn 105

How to watch Pelicans vs Nets

The first game against the Nets tips off at 6:30 PM CT and you can watch on Bally Sports New Orleans or listen on WRNO 99.5 FM.

How to stream Pelicans vs. Nets

There is always the League Pass if you live out of market, but you can also get a free trial at FUBO.TV.

*Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.