Answer-First Lead
The New Orleans Pelicans begin the Jamahl Mosley era on Oct. 21 when they host the Indiana Pacers at the Smoothie King Center. The team is hoping to make a return to the playoffs after missing the postseason each of the past two years. Last result: Minnesota Timberwolves 132-126 New Orleans Pelicans (2026-04-13). Recent form (last 5): 1W-0D-4L (LLLLW, most recent first); lost the last 4.
What's at stake for the Pelicans?
The Pelicans are hoping to turn things around under Mosley's leadership. The team went 26-56 last season, and Mosley, who spent the past five years as head coach of the Orlando Magic, takes over a team that looks almost identical to the one the Pelicans put on the floor last season. Will the defensive-minded Mosley be able to make a difference?
Spotlight on the schedule
The early schedule this time around is manageable, with only four of their first 10 games against teams that made the playoffs last season. The Pelicans need to take advantage of the favorable early slate to build some momentum. However, the team will face a tough stretch in January, with a pair of games against Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs in Europe, followed by a grueling road trip to Miami, Oklahoma City, Dallas, Cleveland, Houston, Philadelphia, Cleveland again, and Philadelphia again.
Back-to-back games and fatigue
NBA teams dread those back-to-back games, and the Pelicans have 16 back-to-backs this season. That's one more than they had last season when they went 4-11 on the second night of consecutive games. The Pels get somewhat of a break in January, when they have just one back-to-back. Five of the back-to-backs are ones where they have to travel between games. The worst of those is the last one in April when they host the Washington Wizards and then have to travel to play in Denver the next night.
The gauntlet ahead
There are some brutal stretches along the way. For example, the Pelicans have only three home games in the month of February. The longest road trip of the season is a seven-game stretch from Jan. 20-Feb. 10. But the toughest string of games is the one in January when the Pelicans travel to Miami, then head to Europe for a pair of games against Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs, return to the United States to face Oklahoma City, Dallas, Cleveland, Houston, Philadelphia, Cleveland again, and Philadelphia again. OUCH!
Home for all holidays
If you like spending your holidays in the Smoothie King Center, you'll get plenty of opportunities this year. The Pelicans host games on Halloween (Atlanta Hawks), New Year's Eve (the Los Angeles Lakers), and Valentine's Day (the Boston Celtics). This will be the sixth straight season the Pelicans didn't land one of those prestigious Christmas Day spots. The only way to change the narrative and get back in the national spotlight is to start winning.
What comes next?
The Pelicans will have to navigate these challenges and more if they hope to make a return to the playoffs. With a new head coach and a favorable early schedule, the team has a chance to build some momentum. But the road ahead will be tough, and only time will tell if Mosley's defensive-minded approach will be enough to turn things around.
