# MUST-WIN: New Orleans Pelicans Face Crucial Start—Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy MUST Deliver Early

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-pelicans-daily-podcast-on-the-new-orleans-pelicans-635622/must-win-new-orleans-pelicans-face-crucial-start-zion-williamson-and-trey-murphy-must-deliver-early
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-pelicans-daily-podcast-on-the-new-orleans-pelicans-635622/must-win-new-orleans-pelicans-face-crucial-start-zion-williamson-and-trey-murphy-must-deliver-early.md
Podcast: [Locked On Pelicans - Daily Podcast On The New Orleans Pelicans](https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-pelicans-daily-podcast-on-the-new-orleans-pelicans-635622)
Published: 2026-08-14T05:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-pelicans/
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/pdrl.fm/ab893c/lockedon.simplecastaudio.com/e668a801-b076-4c42-a18b-514196891965/episodes/419754af-c56a-482c-ada0-adf6053cb370/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=e668a801-b076-4c42-a18b-514196891965&awEpisodeId=419754af-c56a-482c-ada0-adf6053cb370&feed=dWDcvyl9
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Duration seconds: 1621

## Resource

New Orleans Pelicans face a make-or-break start as the NBA schedule drops, with Zion Williamson and company under pressure to prove this core can contend. Are early season struggles a sign it’s time to blow up the roster by the trade deadline? Jake Madison breaks down key stretches, including a winnable opening run, brutal road trips around Mardi Gras and Europe, and the daunting slate of 16 back-to-backs. Insights focus on Jamal Mosley’s impact, expectations for Trey Murphy and Herb Jones, and the challenge of just two national TV games—both international showcases versus Victor Wembanyama's San Antonio Spurs. Madison questions whether this is the last stand for the current roster and why banking early wins is essential before a punishing second half. Can the Pelicans turn national apathy into a redemption narrative, or does the schedule signal the end of an era in New Orleans? Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-pelicans/ Locked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/nba #NewOrleansPelicans #ZionWilliamson #NBA #pelicans Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, M…

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