The time has finally come for the New Orleans Pelicans to begin the Jamahl Mosley era as the regular season tips off on Wednesday night against the Indiana Pacers.

The Pelicans get to start the season at home, giving fans an early look at the team. This is an opportunity for a great first impression for Mosley. While they aren’t expecting perfection, they are expecting effort and buy-in on defense.

For the Pacers, it’s the return of superstar point guard Tyrese Haliburton. He missed all last season after suffering a torn Achilles in the Finals. He is back to 100% and is hungry to play. Should be a tough matchup.

Here is a quick rundown of important information to know before the game tips off on Wednesday:

Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM CT
Location: Smoothie King Center (New Orleans, LA)

Streaming: Pelicans+
TV Channel: Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network
Local Radio: WWL 870 AM

Moneyline: IND -155
Spread: IND -3.5
Over/Under: 239.5

Pelicans: G Dejounte Murray, G Herb Jones, F Trey Murphy III, F Zion Williamson, C Yves Missi

That's who started the first preseason game, but Jamahl Mosley has switched it up each time. Won't know more until closer to tipoff.

Pacers: G Tyrese Haliburton, G Andrew Nembhard, F Pascal Siakam, F Jarace Walker, C Ivica Zubac

Pelicans

No injuries.

Pacers

Kobe Brown - Probable (G League two-way)

Jalen Slawson - Probably (G League two-way)

Braden Smith - Doubtful (G League two-way)

Aaron Nesmith - Out (hamstring strain)

T.J. McConnell - Out (hamstring strain)

Johnny Furphy - Out (ACL surgery)

What the starting five looks like.

It’s the first game of the season and there is still no concrete starting lineup. There is an expectation (as mentioned above), but Mosley did a lot of lineup experimentation in the preseason. 

How the offense looks.

The defense is still coming together, but the preseason gave a good idea of what to expect. The offense is a different story, as that didn’t look much different than last season. They should both improve as the year goes on, but the starting point will be telling.

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