With the 2025-26 season schedule officially releasing today, we now know the Pelicans will be taking on the Memphis Grizzlies on opening night, in what should be a thrilling matchup of the 2 top picks in the 2019 draft.
We also now know that the Pelicans will have a relatively tough start to the season as over their first 10 games, they will play five playoff teams. When it comes to out-of-conference play, here are the 3 East Coast games fans must watch this season
***This list is in no particular order and won't feature their opening night matchup with Memphis.***
The Atlanta Hawks- November 22
The Hawks should be one of the league's most fun teams next season. After acquiring Kristpas Porzingis, Luke Kennard, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker during the offseason, Trae Young now has the best roster he's ever had around him.
The Hawks currently own the rights to the Pelicans' first-round pick next season, meaning a win for the Pelicans means even more than just their record.
While Dejounte Murray may not be back yet, watching Trae Young go shot-for-shot with Jordan Poole should make this one fun.
We'll also get a look at two of the league's best power forwards with Jalen Johnson and Zion driving in and attacking one another.
The Orlando Magic- January 11th
This mid-season matchup should have fans excited, as this will be the Pelicans' first look at the new-look Orlando Magic, who acquired Desmond Bane this summer in a blockbuster deal with the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Magic are a team that has been known for their defense and grittiness over the past couple of seasons, as the Pelicans will try to overcome it with their fast-paced, high-scoring offense. This matchup has all the makings of a down-to-the-wire, back-and-forth contest that fans of both teams won't want to miss.
This game also gives another look at the battle of Zion Williamson vs Paolo Banchero. I love watching these two go at it as they are both bruising power forwards who love to score at the rim.
The Toronto Raptors- March 11
The return of Brandon Ingram will be a big one for Pelicans fans and BI himself. Ingram helped usher in a new era of Pelicans basketball after the Anthony Davis trade.
While he never helped raise any banners, he gave the fans some unreal memories and years. Ingram made his only All-Star appearance during his career in his first season in New Orleans. Although injuries ultimately ended his time with the Pelicans, he'll forever be some fans' love.
This game isn't just about the return of BI, though, as both Toronto and New Orleans have goals of making the playoffs and will be looking to steal a win as the season winds down.