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Murray Wenzel

NBA's Pelicans in historic Melbourne pre-season visit

Star New Orleans forward Zion Williamson could be heading Down Under to face NBL opposition. (AP PHOTO)

New Orleans will be the first NBA team to play in Australia when they meet Melbourne United and South East Melbourne for pre-season clashes in October.

The historic Melbourne Park fixtures, on October 3 and 5 respectively, were confirmed on Tuesday and come nine years after NBL sides began touring the US to play NBA pre-season fixtures.

"The significance of this announcement for basketball in Australia and the NBL can’t be overstated," NBL owner and director Larry Kestelman said.

"Hosting an NBA team in Australia has been a long-held dream for everyone at the NBL."

The Pelicans currently boast point guard Dejounte Murray and two-time All-Star Zion Williamson on their roster.

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