Jordan Poole has gotten off to a steady start in his first deason with the New Orleans Pelicans. While New Orleans has dropped the first two games of the season

To earn their first win of the season, New Orleans has to be sharp offensively against a winless Boston team that allows the second-most points per game in the NBA.

Defensive lapses hurt Boston in its first two games. The Celtics gave up 42 points in the fourth quarter of a season-opening 117-116 home loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday. Two nights later, the Knicks outscored them, 42-14, in the second quarter of a 105-95 loss.

New Orleans Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III (25) reacts after making a 3-point basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Friday, Jan. 31, 2025. (Staff photo by Scott Threlkeld, The Times-Picayune)

The Pelicans are hoping the current season ends in much better results. When the fans have hope, they show up. After just one game so far in the Smoothie King Center, starting guard Jordan Poole has taken notice. The Pelicans lost their home opener, an overtime thriller against Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs, in front of a raucous crowd.

Preview the San Antonio Spurs' NBA matchup with New Orleans, including betting odds, tips, trends, and game information.

You knew rookies Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen would contribute this season, but nobody expected the duo to play in crunch time in their second NBA games. But there they were — along with Williamson, Trey Murphy and Jordan Poole — in the final minutes of regulation and most of the overtime period Friday night.

Despite a loss, two of New Orleans' first-round picks from the 2025 NBA Draft class looked impressive in their second career game.