Whether you are a believer or skeptic of the New Orleans Pelicans heading into the 2025-26 season, there are a lot of questions that need to be answered.
Most importantly, how well this core group of guys can keep up with the rest of the Western Conference. Can Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy, and Jordan Poole make this team one of the best offenses in the league to start next season? Or will the 2025-26 year go down as a disappointment?
Despite making a ton of bonehead decisions when designing the Pelicans' schedule. Like having the returns of both Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum not happen till March, and only giving New Orleans two nationally televised games, the NBA did get one thing right. The league office decided to give the Pelicans a 6-game gauntlet to start the 2025-26 season.
The Pelicans will start their season against the Memphis Grizzlies, San Antonio Spurs, Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, and Oklahoma City Thunder. Although none of these games are back-to-back, the Pelicans will face off with the last 3 NBA champions as well as three other teams that have playoff aspirations this season.
A tough start like this is exactly what the Pelicans need
Some people may look at this start to the season and feel the NBA is out to get the Pelicans, but honestly, I think facing a challenge like this is going to show us what this group is made of.
All six of these teams, except the Spurs, won 48+ games last season and could repeat that this year. The Celtics took a step back with Tatum being out and losing Porzingis and Holiday. However, don't be surprised if, to start this season, the Celtics are playing like they have something to prove, as many media members have already written them off.
The same goes for the Grizzlies, which, despite losing Desmon Bane, have gotten even deeper and set up players like GG Jackson for a breakout season.
Other than the Rockets, the Thunder, Nuggets, and Clippers are by far the scariest teams in the Western Conference. If the Pelicans can string together wins over these teams, it'll show us they are the real deal.
The Pelicans have a golden opportunity to prove all the doubters wrong to start next season. If Zion Williamson can lead this group to even a 3-3 start, the media is going to have to respect this team as a playoff contender.
The Pelicans results after these extremely tough first six games of this season will give both the front office and the fans a clear idea of what to expect in the 2025-26 season.