Chad,
If the client doesn't exist then it must first be created. You cannot restore to a client that doesn't exist in Netbackup. NetBackup will not know what platform/OS the client is and most importantly, the bpcd service/daemon will not exist.
First, install Netbackup on the client and configure it for the proper master server along with any firewall ports, etc.
Second, place the client into a policy so that the mster server will know the platform/OS of the client.
Third, run both phases of bpimport.
that should do it :)