Pelicans vs. Nets Preview: Unofficially kicking off bubble play

For the first time in 136 days, the New Orleans Pelicans will take to the court on Wednesday in their first scrimmage against the Nets.

Who: New Orleans Pelicans vs. Brooklyn Nets

When: Wednesday, July 22, 7:00 p.m ET

How to watch: NBA TV

For the first time in 133 days, the Pelicans are set to take the floor together for an NBA contest. The last time New Orleans was set to play on March 11, only Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram took the floor as the season was in the midst of shutting down entirely. Officially, the last time the Pelicans played a game against another team was on March 8 against the Timberwolves, 136 days ago.

Wednesday marks the beginning of an entirely new era. The Pelicans will be among a handful of teams that will kick off play in the NBA’s bubble in Orlando. For a variety of reasons, gameplay in the bubble will be as oddly-fascinating as it’ll be important, at least in terms of seeding games.

One of the biggest on-court differences for Wednesday’s scrimmage will be a shortened game as teams will be playing in four 10-minute quarters, leading to a 40-minute game as opposed to the normal 48-minute game.

Both sides will be having a feeling out process to different degrees as well. The Pelicans will be without Zion Williamson, but the Nets have one of the most decimated rosters in the league as they do a lot more than feeling out in their scrimmages.

More than anything, though, Wednesday marks a return to some form of normal as the NBA is finally coming back.

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