Malik Dia and Jaron Pierre Jr. lead the Squadron into their first home game of the 2026-27 NBA G League Tip-Off Tournament as Kenner welcomes professional basketball.
STWF SPORTS | KENNER, La. | NOVEMBER 14, 2026 – A new chapter in professional basketball begins Saturday morning as the Laketown Squadron prepare to host the Mexico City Capitanes in their highly anticipated home opener at the newly renamed Waste Pro Civic Center.
Tipoff is scheduled for November 14 at 11 a.m. CT, marking the first Squadron home game in Kenner since the organization’s relocation and rebranding.
Laketown (0-1), the NBA G League affiliate of the New Orleans Pelicans, enters the matchup seeking its first victory of the 2026-27 Tip-Off Tournament.
Mexico City (3-1) arrives looking to rebound from its first loss of the campaign.
Historic Home Opener Brings Basketball to Kenner
Laketown Squadron Aims for Victory in Historic Home Opener
Saturday’s matchup represents a milestone for both the Squadron and the local community.
Formerly known as the Pontchartrain Center, the Waste Pro Civic Center recently underwent renovations to accommodate professional basketball.
Improvements include upgraded locker rooms, lighting, audio systems and video boards.
The 2,000-seat facility will host 24 Squadron home games this season, providing fans throughout Jefferson Parish and the greater New Orleans area with an opportunity to experience NBA G League basketball.
The contest will also serve as the venue’s first event under its new naming rights partnership with Waste Pro.
Malik Dia Leads Laketown’s Offensive Attack
Rookie forward Malik Dia enters the home opener following an impressive performance in Laketown’s season-opening 117-110 loss to the Austin Spurs on November 8.
Dia finished with 31 points, 14 rebounds, three assists and two blocks, establishing himself as an important contributor.
The former Ole Miss standout connected on 11 of 21 field-goal attempts, including three shots from beyond the arc.
Dia, who signed a two-way contract with New Orleans in August, provides the Squadron with size, interior scoring and rebounding.
His ability to control the paint could become a determining factor against Mexico City’s physical frontcourt.
Pierre Jr. and Dickinson Provide Scoring Support
Jaron Pierre Jr. also delivered a strong opening performance, scoring 25 points against Austin.
The former SMU standout connected on four three-pointers and converted all four free throws.
Selected 58th overall by New Orleans in the 2026 NBA Draft, Pierre continues developing as an important piece of the Pelicans’ organization.
Veteran center Hunter Dickinson contributed 19 points on an efficient 8-of-10 shooting performance.
The 7-foot-1 center also connected on three of four three-point attempts, demonstrating his ability to stretch the floor.
Point guard Markquis Nowell added 16 points, six assists, five rebounds and two steals.
Together, the quartet accounted for 91 of Laketown’s 110 points against Austin.
Mexico City Presents Challenging Test
The Capitanes enter Saturday’s matchup averaging 98.5 points while allowing 93 per game.
Mexico City suffered a 109-94 defeat against the Osceola Magic on Thursday, November 12.
Chad Baker-Mazara led the Capitanes with 23 points, while David Sloan contributed 14.
Zeke Mayo finished with 13 points, and Rafael Castro added 12 points and 14 rebounds.
Mexico City’s rebounding advantage could present problems for Laketown.
The Capitanes average 46.8 rebounds per contest compared with the Squadron’s 38.
Mexico City also generates 14.8 offensive rebounds per game, making defensive rebounding an important priority for Laketown.
Keys to a Squadron Victory
Laketown must improve its defensive execution after allowing Austin to connect on 20 three-pointers in its season opener.
The Squadron also surrendered 23 second-chance points while being outrebounded 48-38.
Establishing defensive pressure, limiting offensive rebounds and maintaining consistent perimeter coverage will be essential.
Offensively, Laketown demonstrated encouraging efficiency against Austin, shooting 47.6 percent from the field and converting 16 three-pointers.
The Squadron will need another productive performance from Dia, Pierre, Dickinson and Nowell to challenge Mexico City.
Broadcast Information and Upcoming Schedule
Fans unable to attend Saturday’s home opener can follow the action through the Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network, Pelicans+, the NBA App and NBA.com.
Radio coverage will also be available on 106.7 FM The Ticket.
Following Saturday’s contest, Laketown will host the Oklahoma City Blue on Monday, November 16, at 11 a.m. CT.
The Squadron will then travel to face the Rio Grande Valley Vipers on November 20 and 21.
STWF Sports Final Takeaway
Saturday’s home opener represents more than the beginning of Laketown’s home schedule.
It signals a new era for professional basketball in Kenner while providing the Squadron an opportunity to establish its identity.
With Dia’s interior production, Pierre’s perimeter scoring and Dickinson’s versatility, Laketown possesses the offensive talent to compete against a strong Mexico City squad.
However, controlling the boards and tightening defensive execution will be crucial.
For the Squadron, the goal is straightforward: celebrate a historic home opener by delivering the franchise’s first victory in its new home.
STWF Sports | Laketown Squadron Coverage | NBA G League 2026–27 Season
