What happened: A 'T and Z' handshake exchange surfaced in connection with the New Orleans Pelicans. The appearance came alongside a 115-109 defeat that moved the team to 4-5 through nine games this season.

Why it matters: The Pelicans hold the 11th seed in the Western Conference during the opening weeks of the 2026-27 regular season. The six-point margin halted a four-game winning streak as New Orleans navigates early conference positioning.

What to watch: New Orleans looks to correct its course as regular-season competition continues in Western Conference play.