Thunder vs Pelicans
Tue, Jan 27
Final
Thunder
Thunder
(37 - 10)
104
-
95
Pelicans
Pelicans
(12 - 36)
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thunder | 17 | 31 | 31 | 25 | 104 |
| Pelicans | 14 | 32 | 23 | 26 | 95 |
Venue: Paycom Center
GAME LEADERS
PTS
REB
AST
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
OKC | #2 | G
29
6
4
Zion Williamson
NOP | #1 | F
21
11
2
Smart Game Analysis
Oklahoma City Thunder has a 82% chance of winning the game
Despite recent injury setbacks, the Thunder's league-best defense and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's scoring prowess should overwhelm a Pelicans squad that struggles mightily on the road.
Key Analysis
- • Oklahoma City is missing key defenders Jalen Williams, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Alex Caruso, which significantly weakens their rim protection against Zion Williamson.
- • The Thunder boast the NBA's top defensive rating (106.9), creating a massive mismatch against a Pelicans defense ranked 29th (allowing 122.1 PPG).
- • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averages 32.3 points per game and has dominated this matchup, leading OKC to blowout wins in both previous meetings this season.
- • New Orleans has found a spark recently, winning two straight games behind strong performances from Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III.
- • The Pelicans struggle to defend the perimeter, allowing opponents to shoot high percentages, which plays into OKC's efficient drive-and-kick offense.
- • To pull off an upset, New Orleans must exploit OKC's depleted frontcourt by feeding Zion in the paint and limiting their own turnovers.
