The New Orleans Pelicans and Orlando Magic close out their 2025 preseason with a matchup tonight at the Kia Center in Orlando.
New Orleans will be without Zion Williamson tonight, though his absence doesn’t overshadow the optimism surrounding his best physical shape in years. After slimming down and committing to mobility work over the summer, Zion said he “feels good to feel good” for the first time since college. His connection with new teammate Jordan Poole has been a preseason bright spot, with Williamson praising Poole’s aggressiveness and creativity.
Poole’s arrival fills a critical void left by Dejounte Murray, who remains sidelined with an Achilles injury until early 2026. The Pelicans are betting that Poole can provide the offensive spark and ballhandling the team has long lacked. Whether New Orleans can break back into the Western Conference playoff picture may hinge on Zion’s durability — something that has defined every season of his career so far.
For Orlando, the preseason has been about establishing rhythm among an upgraded core. The addition of Desmond Bane gives the Magic the reliable perimeter shooting they sorely missed last year. His fit alongside Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner could lift the offense to another tier, balancing inside-out scoring with improved floor spacing.
Expectations in Orlando are rising. After a .500 finish and first-round playoff appearance last year, this team now carries hopes of a deeper run. If Bane meshes quickly and their new trio stays healthy, the Magic could emerge as a legitimate top-five team in the East. Tonight’s finale offers one more glimpse of how close both teams are to realizing their potential before the regular season begins.
How to Watch Pelicans vs. Magic
Tip-off for tonight’s Pelicans vs. Magic game is set for 7:00 PM Eastern / 6:00 PM Central at the Kia Center in Orlando.
The game airs live locally on FanDuel Sports Network Florida.
Out-of-market viewers can stream the matchup on NBA League Pass, available for $16.99/month or $109.99 for the full season when purchased directly from the NBA website.
Amazon Prime Video offers some discounts as well as ways to watch for free here. League Pass subscriptions start at $12.74 for the first two months on Amazon (then $16.99/month) — and that includes NBA TV.
Fans can also choose a Team Pass to follow one team’s games for $13.99 per month — or watch tonight’s game free with a 7-day trial.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Orlando Magic
Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM Eastern / 6:00 PM Central
Venue: Kia Center, Orlando, Florida
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Florida
Streaming: NBA League Pass (out-of-market)