Mar 26, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) is fouled by Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) after securing a rebound following a free throw attempt during the fourth quarter of a game at the Smoothie Ki
Mar 26, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) is fouled by Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) after securing a rebound following a free throw attempt during the fourth quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Clippers 98-96. Reuters

Two rebuilding teams featuring young and exciting prospects headline one of the three slated matchups in NBA's opening night. The New Orleans Pelicans and the Orlando Magic take to the floor their high-prized picks and newly acquired players to show off that they are ready to compete in their respective conferences. The Pelicans and Magic started strong last season only to be decimated by injuries and conference strength. This time, their reloaded roster is ready to chase a playoff spot with both teams needing different things to click to make the goal a reality.

The Pelicans will rely heavily on one of the best two-way players in the league in Anthony Davis. The former number one pick has a newfound help in the shaded lane with the acquisition of defensive stalwart Omer Asik. The Turkish centre was swapped from the Rockets to provide additional rim protection and rebounding for the young Pelicans.

The frontcourt will also be aided with the return of stretch big man Ryan Anderson. Anderson will be the first player off the bench and will provide the space for guards to penetrate and the Unibrow to do his post damage. Much of the team's success hinges on the consistency and health of their guards Jrue Holiday, Tyreke Evans and Eric Gordon. This is projected to be the breakout year of Davis, and the Magic is hoping it will not begin at their expense.

The Magic had one of the most successful drafts in June, getting prized players Aaron Gordon and Elfrid Payton, who many considered will be contending for the Rookie of the Year plum. This early, Payton is excited to strut his wares for the rebuilding Magic, and he has plenty of opportunity to make highlight plays with athletic guys like Victor Oladipo and Gordon ready to catch those lobs. Payton will be heavily depended upon as Rookie of the year Oladipo is still out recovering from surgery due to facial fracture.

''I think starting the season off with a win would be perfect,'' Payton said per NOLA.com. ''Coach told me it's not a vacation, it's a business trip - things that I already knew. I'm just focusing on playing the game.''

Orlando will also have to rely on newly extended centre Nikola Vucevic as well as prospect Tobias Harris. The team also added veteran forward Channing Frye to the squad for some perimeter sniping as the team lost some key players in Glen Davis, Jameer Nelson and Aaron Afflalo. In their place, they got back Evan Fournier, Willie Green, Luke Ridnour and Ben Gordon, an assortment of veterans, who management hopes will help guide their young talent. Expect a fast pace for this game as both teams try to feel out the first game of the season.

Projected Lineups:

Orlando Magic

Point Guard: Elfrid Payton

Shooting Guard: Evan Fournier

Small Forward: Tobias Harris

Power Forward: Channing Frye

Center: Nikola Vucevic

New Orleans Pelicans

Point Guard: Jrue Holiday

Shooting Guard: Eric Gordon

Small Forward: Tyreke Evans

Power Forward: Anthony Davis

Center: Omer Asik

Don't miss NBA's opening night! Watch the live streaming of the game between the Orlando Magic and New Orleans Pelicans at NBA League Pass and TNT Overtime.