Thunder vs Pelicans on 28 January
On the 28th of January, the Oklahoma City Thunder will clash with the New Orleans Pelicans in a high-stakes regular season showdown at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. Both teams are desperate to solidify their playoff positions, and this game holds crucial implications for the Western Conference standings. With the Thunder currently vying for a spot in the postseason, and the Pelicans looking to capitalize on their potent offense and rising star power, this contest promises to deliver fireworks on the court. Expect a battle of contrasting playing styles, with fast breaks and perimeter shooting set to take center stage. The atmosphere will undoubtedly be electric as these two teams lock horns with much at stake.
Thunder: Tactical Approach and Current Form
The Oklahoma City Thunder enter this game having won three of their last five, with their most recent victory coming in a thrilling 122-118 win over the Sacramento Kings. The Thunder’s success has been largely driven by their high-octane offense, led by the dynamic playmaking of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has been the engine of the team’s attack. Averaging 31.1 points per game, along with 5.6 assists, he is the focal point of OKC's offensive schemes. The Thunder excel in fast breaks and ball movement, averaging 25.6 assists per game, which ranks them among the top teams in the league in this category. However, their field goal efficiency (45.1%) and three-point shooting (34.5%) are slightly below the league average, leaving room for improvement in their scoring efficiency. A key element of their game is offensive rebounding, as they rank in the top 10 in the league in this department, with Jalen Williams and Lou Dort contributing significantly on the glass. Defensively, Oklahoma City has been solid, particularly at blocking shots. They average 5.9 blocks per game, with the 6'8" Aleksej Pokuševski emerging as an important rim protector. However, their defensive rating of 112.3 suggests that they are vulnerable to high-scoring teams, especially those that can spread the floor. Their main challenge in this game will be defending the Pelicans' diverse scoring attack, particularly from the perimeter. In terms of injuries, the Thunder will be without Chet Holmgren for the remainder of the season, which is a blow to their interior defense. His absence will leave them slightly thinner in the paint, which could be problematic against a team like the Pelicans that thrives in the post and at the rim.
Pelicans: Tactical Approach and Current Form
The New Orleans Pelicans have been in good form recently, winning four of their last five, including an impressive 113-107 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. Led by Zion Williamson, the Pelicans have one of the most explosive offenses in the league. Williamson has been a force, averaging 26.1 points, 7 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. His ability to dominate inside, combined with his sudden bursts of athleticism, makes him a matchup nightmare for any defender. Alongside him, Brandon Ingram has been playing at a high level, contributing 23.8 points per game and providing the Pelicans with a reliable secondary scoring option. The Pelicans are known for their balanced approach on offense, ranking 7th in the league for points per game (115.4). They have been effective in both half-court offense, with efficient ball movement and spacing, and in transition, where they rank among the best in fast-break points per game. Their three-point shooting has been respectable, with the team shooting 35.7% from beyond the arc, but their key strength remains in the paint. As a team, they rank 3rd in the NBA for points in the paint (54.2 per game), an area where they can exploit the Thunder’s weaknesses, particularly given their lack of depth inside. Defensively, the Pelicans have shown marked improvement this season, holding opponents to 111.0 points per game. However, their true defensive identity is built on their ability to guard the rim and create turnovers. They average 7.5 steals and 5.4 blocks per game, both of which rank highly in the league. The key to their defense will be limiting Oklahoma City’s fast breaks and contesting their outside shooting. The Pelicans will need to focus on defensive rebounding to avoid second-chance opportunities for the Thunder. Injuries to Jose Alvarado and Larry Nance Jr. have been a concern, but the Pelicans have managed to stay competitive despite these absences.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
In the last three encounters between these two teams, the New Orleans Pelicans have had the upper hand, winning two of the last three matchups. The most recent meeting was a 118-110 victory for the Pelicans, where they capitalized on Zion Williamson’s dominance inside and the Pelicans' ability to neutralize the Thunder’s fast break. Historically, the Thunder have struggled against teams that can dominate inside and control the glass, which is precisely what the Pelicans have done in their past meetings. Oklahoma City’s youthful roster will need to step up against a seasoned and physically dominant Pelicans team that has been able to slow down their fast pace in previous encounters. This rivalry has developed a psychological edge for the Pelicans, who have proven they can play the Thunder's game and impose their own style on the court. OKC’s main objective will be to force the pace of the game and make it a high-scoring affair, while New Orleans will look to impose their physicality and control the paint.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
The most critical battle in this game will be the matchup between Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and New Orleans’ defensive unit, particularly Herb Jones. Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to break down defenses and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates will be key to the Thunder’s chances. Jones, one of the league's premier perimeter defenders, will be tasked with slowing down Gilgeous-Alexander and limiting his scoring, especially in transition. Another key battle will be in the paint, where Zion Williamson will face off against the Thunder’s collective interior defense. The absence of Chet Holmgren will make it even more difficult for OKC to deal with Williamson’s size and power. This matchup will likely determine the outcome of the game, as the Pelicans’ ability to dominate the paint will provide them with ample second-chance opportunities and easy scoring chances. Oklahoma City will need to rely on their perimeter defense and shot-blocking to neutralize this threat.
Match Scenario and Prediction
The most likely scenario for this game will be a fast-paced, high-scoring contest. Oklahoma City will look to push the ball in transition, relying on Gilgeous-Alexander’s playmaking and the athleticism of their young roster. However, New Orleans will aim to slow the game down, relying on Williamson’s inside presence and the leadership of Ingram to create scoring opportunities. While the Thunder have the edge in speed and agility, the Pelicans will exploit their size and physicality in the paint. The Pelicans’ defensive ability to limit fast-break points and contest shots will be key to their success, and with Zion Williamson likely to impose his will inside, the Thunder will face a tough task. If New Orleans can control the tempo and shut down the Thunder’s perimeter shooting, they will emerge victorious. Prediction: New Orleans Pelicans win by 6-8 points. Expect the total points to exceed 225, with a strong focus on points in the paint and offensive rebounding.
Final Thoughts
This game will be a true test of contrasts, with Oklahoma City’s speed and transition game going up against New Orleans’ physicality and dominance in the paint. Will the Thunder’s youthful energy be enough to outpace the experienced and powerful Pelicans? Can the Pelicans control the tempo and exploit their size advantage? This matchup will answer those questions and more, setting the tone for the remainder of the regular season. One question looms large: Can Oklahoma City’s youth overcome the Pelicans' veteran strength in the paint?
