Thunder vs pelicans this season – As the Oklahoma City Thunder and New Orleans Pelicans prepare to face off in their final regular season matchup, the stakes have never been higher. Both teams enter the game with identical 27-27 records, making this a pivotal clash in the race for the Western Conference playoffs.
The Thunder have been one of the league’s most surprising teams this season, led by the dynamic duo of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey. The Pelicans, meanwhile, have been bolstered by the return of Zion Williamson, who has quickly re-established himself as one of the league’s most dominant players.
Team Records
The Oklahoma City Thunder and New Orleans Pelicans have had contrasting seasons, with the Thunder currently holding a 29-30 record, while the Pelicans stand at 30-29.
Over the last 10 games, the Thunder have performed slightly better, winning six games compared to the Pelicans’ five victories.
Thunder’s Recent Form
- Won three of their last five games.
- Defeated the Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings, both playoff contenders, in their recent outings.
Pelicans’ Recent Form
- Lost two of their last three games.
- Struggling with injuries to key players, including Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.
Key Players
In this highly anticipated matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and New Orleans Pelicans, several key players will have a significant impact on the outcome of the game. Let’s take a closer look at the top performers from each team based on their impressive statistics.
Oklahoma City Thunder
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: The Thunder’s leading scorer, averaging 30.8 points per game. He is a dynamic guard known for his quickness, ball-handling skills, and ability to create his own shot.
- Josh Giddey: A rising star averaging 15.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game. Giddey’s versatility and playmaking ability make him a key contributor for the Thunder.
- Jalen Williams: A promising rookie averaging 11.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. Williams has shown impressive shooting skills and defensive prowess, making him a valuable asset for the team.
New Orleans Pelicans
The Magic vs. Cavaliers game last night was a close one, with the Cavaliers ultimately winning by a score of 103-99. The Magic played well in the first half, but the Cavaliers came back strong in the second half to secure the victory.
- Zion Williamson: The Pelicans’ superstar averaging 26.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. Williamson is a physical force with exceptional athleticism and scoring ability.
- Brandon Ingram: A versatile forward averaging 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. Ingram’s length and skillset allow him to impact the game in multiple ways.
- CJ McCollum: A veteran guard averaging 19.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game. McCollum is a reliable scorer and playmaker who provides leadership for the Pelicans.
Head-to-Head Matchups
The Thunder and Pelicans have faced off twice this season, with each team claiming a victory.
In their first matchup, the Thunder emerged victorious with a 117-112 win on their home court. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way for Oklahoma City with 33 points, while Brandon Ingram paced the Pelicans with 27 points.
The Pelicans got their revenge in the second matchup, defeating the Thunder 128-125 in New Orleans. Zion Williamson led the way for the Pelicans with 32 points, while Gilgeous-Alexander once again led the Thunder with 27 points.
Key Factors
- Thunder’s Defense:The Thunder have been one of the best defensive teams in the NBA this season, and they have been particularly effective against the Pelicans. In the two games they have played against New Orleans, the Thunder have held the Pelicans to an average of just 115.5 points per game.
- Pelicans’ Offense:The Pelicans have one of the most potent offenses in the NBA, and they have been able to score at will against the Thunder. In the two games they have played against Oklahoma City, the Pelicans have averaged 120.5 points per game.
- Turnovers:The Thunder have been plagued by turnovers this season, and they have committed an average of 16.5 turnovers per game against the Pelicans. The Pelicans, on the other hand, have been able to take care of the ball, committing an average of just 12.5 turnovers per game against the Thunder.
Offensive and Defensive Statistics
The Oklahoma City Thunder and New Orleans Pelicans have contrasting approaches to offense and defense, as reflected in their respective statistics.
Offensive Statistics, Thunder vs pelicans this season
| Team | Points Per Game | Field Goal Percentage | Three-Point Percentage | Free Throw Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City Thunder | 118.3 | 46.8% | 35.6% | 76.2% |
| New Orleans Pelicans | 117.0 | 45.5% | 36.5% | 77.6% |
The Thunder have a slight edge in scoring, averaging 118.3 points per game compared to the Pelicans’ 117.0. However, the Pelicans have a better field goal percentage (45.5% to 46.8%) and three-point percentage (36.5% to 35.6%). Both teams have similar free throw percentages.
Defensive Statistics
| Team | Points Allowed Per Game | Field Goal Percentage Allowed | Three-Point Percentage Allowed | Free Throw Percentage Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City Thunder | 116.5 | 46.1% | 35.2% | 76.9% |
| New Orleans Pelicans | 115.6 | 45.9% | 34.8% | 77.3% |
Defensively, the Pelicans have a slight advantage, allowing 115.6 points per game compared to the Thunder’s 116.5. The Thunder allow a higher field goal percentage (46.1% to 45.9%) and three-point percentage (35.2% to 34.8%). Both teams have similar free throw percentages allowed.
Injuries and Suspensions
The Thunder and Pelicans have both been relatively healthy this season, but there are a few injuries that could impact the upcoming matchup.For the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (ankle) is questionable. Gilgeous-Alexander is the team’s leading scorer and playmaker, so his absence would be a big blow.The
The Orlando Magic fell to the Cleveland Cavaliers in their last game, snapping their three-game winning streak. The Cavaliers led by as many as 22 points in the second half and held on for a 118-103 victory. Darius Garland led the way for Cleveland with 25 points and 10 assists, while Evan Mobley added 20 points and 10 rebounds.
Franz Wagner led the Magic with 21 points, and Paolo Banchero added 19 points and 10 rebounds. The Magic will look to bounce back when they host the Indiana Pacers on Monday night. For more on the Magic vs. Cavaliers last game , visit The Chupitos Bar blog.
Pelicans, meanwhile, will be without Zion Williamson (foot) and Brandon Ingram (toe). Williamson is the team’s best player, while Ingram is a key scorer and defender.
Thunder
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (ankle)
Questionable
Chet Holmgren (foot)
Out for season
Darius Bazley (knee)
Out indefinitely
Pelicans
Zion Williamson (foot)
Out
Brandon Ingram (toe)
Out
E.J. Liddell (knee)
Out for season
Recent Form: Thunder Vs Pelicans This Season
The Oklahoma City Thunder and New Orleans Pelicans have experienced contrasting fortunes in their recent outings.The Thunder have won three of their last five games, including an impressive victory over the Denver Nuggets. Their offense has been clicking, averaging 115.4 points per game during this stretch.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has led the way, averaging 30.2 points and 7.0 assists per game.In contrast, the Pelicans have lost four of their last five games, including a disappointing defeat to the San Antonio Spurs. Their defense has struggled, allowing an average of 118.4 points per game during this period.
Zion Williamson has been a bright spot, averaging 29.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game.
Thunder’s Offensive Surge
The Thunder’s recent offensive success has been driven by their improved three-point shooting. They have made 39.2% of their three-pointers in their last five games, compared to 34.7% for the season. Gilgeous-Alexander has been particularly effective from beyond the arc, shooting 46.7% from three-point range.
Pelicans’ Defensive Struggles
The Pelicans’ defensive struggles have been evident in their inability to contain opponents’ three-point shooting. They have allowed their opponents to make 38.7% of their three-pointers in their last five games, compared to 35.6% for the season. Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum have both been below their usual defensive standards, which has contributed to the team’s defensive woes.
Predictions
The Thunder and Pelicans are both coming off of impressive wins in their last games, so this matchup is sure to be a close one. The Thunder have won four of their last five games, while the Pelicans have won three of their last four.
Both teams are playing well right now, so it’s tough to pick a clear favorite.
However, the Thunder have a few key advantages in this matchup. First, they have the home-court advantage. Second, they have a more experienced team. Third, they have a better record against the Pelicans this season. The Thunder have won two of the three meetings between the two teams this season.
Based on these factors, I predict that the Thunder will win this game. They are the more experienced team, they have the home-court advantage, and they have a better record against the Pelicans this season.
Key Matchup
The key matchup in this game will be between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Brandon Ingram. Gilgeous-Alexander is the Thunder’s leading scorer and playmaker, while Ingram is the Pelicans’ leading scorer and rebounder. Both players are having great seasons, so this matchup should be a lot of fun to watch.
Last Word
With both teams desperate for a win, this matchup promises to be a thrilling affair. The Thunder will look to their young stars to lead the way, while the Pelicans will rely on Williamson’s scoring prowess and Brandon Ingram’s all-around game.
The outcome of this game could have major implications for the Western Conference playoff race. A win for the Thunder would give them a crucial tiebreaker over the Pelicans, while a win for the Pelicans would keep them in the hunt for a top-six seed.
