The South East Melbourne Phoenix is set to face the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA x NBL Melbourne Series, a historic event that brings NBA teams to Australian soil. The series features the Pelicans, led by head coach Willie Green, against NBL powerhouses Melbourne United and South East Melbourne Phoenix. Fans will have access to exclusive events, open training, and a Fan Night experience. The Pelicans stars scheduled to appear include Zion Williamson, a two-time NBA All-Star, and Jordan Poole, a 2022 NBA Champion. The series gives fans a rare chance to see local NBL teams go head-to-head with NBA stars and highlights the growing partnership between the NBA and NBL. The games will be played at Rod Laver Arena, an iconic Melbourne venue. The schedule includes two preseason games, which will give NBA fans and scouts an opportunity to see up-and-coming talent from Australia. One such player is Melbourne United's Dash Daniels, the younger brother of Hawks forward Dyson Daniels. The Pelicans have retooled their roster ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, acquiring Jordan Poole and signing veteran Kevon Looney. The series will also give head coach Willie Green a chance to experiment with rotations and build on-court chemistry among the returning players and new faces. The South East Melbourne Phoenix will look to capitalize on their home-court advantage and make a strong impression against the NBA team. With the series featuring top NBA players, it promises to be an exciting event for basketball fans in Australia. The NBA x NBL Melbourne Series is a significant step forward in the partnership between the two leagues, and the South East Melbourne Phoenix is proud to be a part of it. The team will look to use this opportunity to gain valuable experience and improve their skills against top-level competition. The series will be a great chance for fans to see the South East Melbourne Phoenix in action against some of the best players in the world.