News Summary
The New Orleans Pelicans are set to clash with the Houston Rockets in a preseason game at Legacy Arena in Birmingham. Scheduled for October 14, this matchup marks the third time in four years the Pelicans have chosen Birmingham as their preseason site. Fans are eager to see standout players like Herb Jones and Jabari Smith Jr. take the court. With ticket information available, the excitement continues to build among local basketball enthusiasts.
New Orleans Pelicans Set to Face Houston Rockets in Preseason Game in Birmingham
The New Orleans Pelicans will take on the Houston Rockets in a preseason game on October 14, 2025. This matchup will take place at the Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham, marking the third time in four years that the Pelicans have chosen Birmingham as their preseason venue.
While the specific tipoff time for the game has not been announced, anticipation is already building among fans and local basketball enthusiasts. Legacy Arena is not only the site of this upcoming game but also the home court of the Birmingham Squadron, the Pelicans’ affiliate in the NBA G League.
Birmingham’s Basketball Enthusiasm Grows
Leslie Claybrook, the general manager of the Birmingham Squadron, has expressed excitement about the Pelicans returning to the city, highlighting the unique energy that the Pelicans games have brought to Birmingham in the past. Previous preseason games feature matchups against the Atlanta Hawks in 2022 and the Rockets in 2023, which were met with positive responses from local fans.
The Pelicans roster for the upcoming game will prominently feature Herb Jones, who is a standout player from Hale County High School and the University of Alabama. His presence adds to local interest, considering the community ties. On the other side, the Rockets will showcase Jabari Smith Jr., a former exceptional player from Auburn University, making the game an exciting clash of talents from Alabama colleges.
Preseason Schedule Details
Prior to their game in Birmingham, the Pelicans will embark on an international trip, playing against Melbourne United and the South East Melbourne Phoenix in Australia on October 3 and October 4, respectively. This overseas excursion aims to prepare the team for the upcoming season. Following the Birmingham competition, the Pelicans will head to Orlando to face the Orlando Magic on October 16.
Ticket Information for Fans
For fans eager to attend the game, season-ticket plans for the Birmingham Squadron’s 2025-26 season are currently available for purchase. In addition, season-ticket holders in Birmingham will receive complimentary tickets to the Pelicans vs. Rockets game, which will be located at their seat assignments. These holders will also have the opportunity to buy additional tickets at a special rate.
Tickets for season-ticket holders and their partners will become available at noon CST on July 1, while individual tickets, including those for groups of 10 or more, will go on sale one day later at the same time, July 2. Tickets can be purchased through the Squadron’s ticket office and Ticketmaster.
For more information about the tickets, fans can visit the ticketing website or contact the Squadron’s ticket office directly at (205) 719-0850.
Conclusion
The forthcoming game between the New Orleans Pelicans and Houston Rockets in Birmingham promises to bring a thrilling experience for basketball fans. With notable players and a committed community supporting the event, excitement is already palpable as the teams prepare for their matchup on October 14, 2025.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Bham Now
- Wikipedia: New Orleans Pelicans
- AL.com
- Google Search: Houston Rockets preseason game 2025
- CBS 42
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Birmingham
- NBA – New Orleans Pelicans Official Site
- Google News: NBA preseason 2025

Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.


