getty images MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 12: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets participates in warmups during a preseason game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on October 12, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Ben Simmons is back for his first real NBA action in 16 months, while Zion Williamson’s return puts an end to an even-longer 17-month absence when the Brooklyn Nets and New Orleans Pelicans meet on Wednesday night.
The game (7:30 p.m. ET start time) will be televised locally on YES Network (in Nets market) and Bally Sports New Orleans (in Pelicans market), while anyone out of market can watch on NBA League Pass.
If the game is in your market, you can watch a live stream of the game on DirecTV Stream, which comes with a free trial and includes both YES Network and Bally Sports New Orleans.
If the game is out of your market, you can watch a live stream of the game on FuboTV, which offers NBA League Pass with a free trial.
Here’s a full rundown on how you can watch a live stream of the Pelicans vs Nets, including options for both in-market and out-of-market viewers:
Note: Heavy may earn an affiliate commission if you sign up via a link on this page
If the Game is in Your Market
DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream has four different channel packages: “Entertainment,” “Choice,” “Ultimate” and “Premier.” All local sports networks, including YES Network and Bally Sports New Orleans (local markets), are included in “Choice” and up, but you can pick any package and any add-on you want with your free five-day trial:
Once signed up for DirecTV Stream, you can watch the Pelicans vs Nets live on the DirecTV Stream app or DirecTV Stream website.
Compatible devices for the DirecTV Stream app include Roku, Roku TV, Amazon Fire TV or Fire Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Samsung TV, iPhone, Android phone, iPad or Android tablet.
If the Game is out of Your Market
FuboTV
NBA League Pass, which lets you watch every out-of-market NBA game, is available as a separate add-on to FuboTV’s main package, but every package and add-on can be included with your free seven-day trial:
Once signed up for FuboTV, you can watch the Pelicans vs Nets live on the FuboTV app or FuboTV website.
Compatible devices for the FuboTV app include Roku, Roku TV, Amazon Fire TV or Fire Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Xbox One or Series X/S, Samsung TV, LG TV, any device with Android TV (such as a Sony TV or Nvidia Shield), iPhone, Android phone, iPad or Android tablet.
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime subscribers (Prime comes with a 30-day free trial) can watch every out-of-market NBA game via Prime Channels. You can try both Amazon Prime and the NBA League Pass channel at no cost with a free trial:
NBA League Pass on Amazon Prime
Once you’re signed up for the Prime Paramount+ Channel, you can watch the Pelicans vs Nets live on the Amazon Video app or Amazon website.
Compatible devices for the Amazon Video app include Roku, Roku TV, Amazon Fire TV or Fire Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, any device with Android TV (such as a Sony TV or Nvidia Shield), Xbox One or Series X/S, PlayStation 4 or 5, various smart TV’s, Xiaomi, Echo Show or Echo Spot, iPhone, Android phone, iPad or Android tablet.
NBA League Pass
This is ultimately the same as the Amazon Prime option above, only you’ll watch on NBA’s digital platforms rather than Amazon’s. You can watch all out-of-market NBA games on NBA League Pass, which comes with a free trial:
Once signed up for NBA League Pass, can watch the Pelicans vs Nets live on the NBA app or NBA website
Compatible devices for the NBA app include Roku, Roku TV, Amazon Fire TV or Firestick, Apple TV, any device with Android TV (such as a Sony TV or Nvidia Shield), Xbox One or Series S/X, PlayStation 4 or 5, iPhone, Android phone, iPad or Android tablet.
Pelicans vs Nets Preview
This season-opening matchup features two of the most interesting teams in the league. The Pelicans have plenty of reasons to be excited about this season with their youth and potential, while the Nets had a chaotic offseason and will try to move on.
The Pelicans made the playoffs last season and pushed the Suns to a six-game series after trading for CJ McCollum and without Zion Williamson. If the preseason is any indication Williamson is healthy and in the best shape of his career.
When he was healthy during the 2020-21 season, Williamson was a force averaging 27 points and 7.2 rebounds per game while shooting 61.1% from the field. If he can bring that to a big three with McCollum and Brandon Ingram the Pelicans will be dangerous.
The Pelicans also bring back Jonas Valanciunas to give them a formidable presence in the post. Larry Nance Jr. and Devonte Graham are two other veterans that should contribute. New Orleans also has young players like Herb Jones, Jaxson Hayes, Trey Murphy III, and Jose Alvarado who should all contribute.
The Nets have had an interesting offseason that was surrounded by trade demands and rumors. Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving were both expected to be traded at one point, but both are still on the roster.
A huge question for this team is whether Durant and Irving will be able to put last season behind them and move on. Beyond Durant and Irving, the Nets have built a sturdy roster with veterans and youth.
Veterans like Seth Curry, TJ Warren, Joe Harris, Markieff Morris, and Patty Mills should all contribute. Although Harris and Curry have both been ruled out for this game. The Nets also have young players like Nic Claxton and Cam Thomas that should give the team good minutes.
Another big question will be Ben Simmons, who didn’t play at all last season. Simmons played in all four games this preseason but looked rusty only turning in one noteworthy performance.
It’s only the first game of the season, but these are two teams that will have a lot of eyes on them this season. Getting the season started on the right note could be big for both.