The New Orleans Pelicans begin the 2026-’27 season Wednesday at 7 p.m. when they host the Indiana Pacers. Here are three storylines for the game.

Mosley era begins

Jamahl Mosley looked down at his left wrist to check his watch as he got ready to speak to the media after Tuesday’s practice.

The Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons were tipping off in 90 minutes in the first game of the NBA season and Mosley wanted to make sure he didn’t miss it.

“It’s what we came to this thing loving,” Mosley said. “Just watching competition. Watching guys playing at the highest level and just to see what other teams are doing. I’m beyond excited, if you can’t tell.”

Mosley gets to watch his own team in a real game Wednesday.

Much to Mosley’s delight, he gets to make his Pelicans’ debut in the Smoothie King Center.

“Just being able to represent this city and the fanbase and what they expect us to do,” Mosley said. “Night in and night out we have to represent that the right way.”

Mosley coached his first game as a Pelicans’ coach in the Smoothie King Center on Friday in the preseason win over the Washington Wizards. The win capped off a 3-1 record in the preseason.

“It’s going to be a dog fight every time you step into this building,” he said.

Mosley can become the fifth coach in franchise history to win his debut.

 (See chart below).

Healthy roster

Mosley hasn’t coached an actual game yet, but he probably already feels like he has a win. The Pelicans start the season fully healthy, a rarity for a team that has struggled with injuries. Mosley discussed it with his team before Tuesday’s practice.

“We talked about this is the first time since 2018 that our team has been fully healthy,” Mosley said. “To have that, it takes us having an unbelievable medical staff that’s doing their job. And the guys understanding the importance of recovery and taking care of your body.  Those (things) are so important moving forward.”

Dejounte Murray dealt with a toe injury and missed three preseason games, but returned to practice Monday and will play Wednesday.

“Injuries can only be controlled so much,” said Zion Williamson. “For us to have a full roster going into Game One is definitely a great feeling for us as a team.”

Haliburton’s return

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton hasn’t played in a game since tearing his Achilles in Game 7 of the NBA Finals in 2025. He will make his return Wednesday. As expected, the Pacers didn’t fare as well last season without Haliburton. One year after taking the Oklahoma City Thunder to the wire in the Finals, the Pacers finished a dismal 19-63 last season.

“He’s the engine,” Mosley said. “He is everything that gets that team going. Coach (Rick) Carlisle is an unbelievable coach. Those guys were able to play without him on the floor last year. They got better. Every person that stepped on the floor for them when Haliburton wasn’t, they know they have a level of confidence of what they are capable of doing. That’s why it’s key we get off to a good start.”

How Hornets/Pelicans coaches fared in debut

2002 Paul Silas beat Jazz 100-75

2003 Tim Floyd beat Hawks 88-83

2004 Byron Scott lost to Mavericks 106-91

2009 Jeff Bower lost to Blazers 86-78 (10th game of season)

2010  Monty Williams beat Bucks 95-91

2015 Alvin Gentry lost to Warriors 111-95

2020 Stan Van Gundy beat Raptors 113-99

2021Willie Green lost to 76ers 117-97

2025 James Borrego lost to Warriors 124-106 (13th game of season)