# NBA 2026-2027 season opening games

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nba-2026-2027-season-opening-games
> Updated: 2026-10-20T08:10:09.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2.

The 2026-2027 NBA season commenced with preseason and regular season matchups involving the New Orleans Pelicans.

In a preseason opener, the Pelicans defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 116-110 in Tulsa. After the Thunder held a 15-point halftime lead, New Orleans secured the comeback victory by outscoring Oklahoma City in both the third and fourth quarters.

During the regular season opener, the Pelicans lost 123-120 to the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers' victory was driven by Pascal Siakam’s 30 points and a double-double from Ivica Zubac, alongside the return of Tyrese Haliburton following an Achilles tendon injury.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-20: Indiana Pacers defeat New Orleans Pelicans in NBA season opener

The Indiana Pacers secured a 123-120 comeback win against the New Orleans Pelicans to open the NBA season, led by Pascal Siakam's 30 points and Ivica Zubac's double-double.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rick-carlisle-praises-ivica-zubac-and-tyrese-haliburton

### 2026-10-06: New Orleans Pelicans defeat Oklahoma City Thunder 116-110 in preseason opener

The New Orleans Pelicans overcame a halftime deficit to defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder 116-110 in their NBA preseason opener in Tulsa.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-orleans-pelicans-defeat-oklahoma-city-thunder-116-110-in-preseason-opener

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Cite as: NBA 2026-2027 season opening games. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nba-2026-2027-season-opening-games