Overview
- The Pelicans will face Melbourne United on Friday and South East Melbourne Phoenix on Sunday at Rod Laver Arena in preseason exhibitions.
- Tickets for both games sold out within hours, with plans for an open practice, a fan night and a Junior NBA clinic, and Hall of Famers Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett planned to appear.
- Williamson, noticeably slimmer, said he feels very good and emphasized faster movement and longer stints on court as he eases into preseason minutes.
- Coach Willie Green expects competitive tests against NBL teams already in season, with Melbourne United off to a 3–0 start and 17-year-old Dash Daniels drawing praise from Williamson for elite defense.
- The Melbourne stop is part of the NBA’s wider international preseason slate that also features games in Abu Dhabi, San Juan, Vancouver and Macao.