Thunder Aim for Sixth Straight Win Against Pelicans
The Oklahoma City Thunder are on a mission to extend their impressive five-game winning streak to six as they prepare to face the New Orleans Pelicans for the second time this season, with the showdown set to take place at the Smoothie King Center. Despite some key absences, the Thunder are poised to capitalize on their strengths and maintain their momentum.
Injuries and Lineup Challenges
The Thunder will be without several important players, including All-NBA forward Jalen Williams, veteran big man Kenrich Williams, and rookie guard Nikola Topic, all of whom are still awaiting their season debuts. Additionally, top bench scorer Aaron Wiggins is sidelined due to an adductor strain. The defensive stalwart Alex Caruso is also listed as questionable with right hand soreness, adding another layer of uncertainty to the Thunder’s lineup.
On the other side, the Pelicans are coming off a rough outing against the Golden State Warriors, where they struggled without their star big man Zion Williamson, as well as guard Jordan Poole and Dejounte Murray. This loss marks the second night of a back-to-back for New Orleans, which could further complicate their efforts.
Recent History and Coaching Changes
The last encounter between these two teams saw the Thunder dominate at the Paycom Center, leading to increased scrutiny on Pelicans’ head coach Willie Green, who was subsequently relieved of his duties. James Borrego has stepped in as the interim coach, and fans will be eager to see how he adjusts the team’s strategy moving forward.
Given the advantages Oklahoma City holds—not only in terms of talent but also in terms of rest—the Thunder are expected to find success against a struggling Pelicans squad.
What to Watch For
The Thunder currently boast the best defense in the NBA, and this matchup against the Pelicans should only bolster those statistics. While the Pelicans have not yet released their injury report for this game, their recent performance suggests that scoring opportunities may be scarce.
Under Borrego’s leadership, the Pelicans have begun to integrate their rookies more prominently. Jeramiah Fears showcased his scoring ability in their previous match against the Thunder, and Derik Queen has started to emerge as a focal point for the team. His matchup against Oklahoma City’s front court is set to be a captivating aspect of the game.
Meanwhile, Ajay Mitchell, having gained confidence in his second year, is expected to continue his strong offensive play. With the attention that superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will draw from the Pelicans’ defense, Mitchell could find himself with open shooting opportunities.
Game Details
Date: Nov. 17
Matchup: Oklahoma City Thunder (13-1) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (2-11)
Time: 6:00 PM CT
Location: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA
TV: FanDuel Sports Oklahoma
Radio: WWLS The Sports Animal (98.1 FM)
Following this matchup, the Thunder will return home to take on the Sacramento Kings for the third and final time this season. This game will serve as a standalone home contest before they head to Utah for an NBA Cup clash on Friday. The Thunder are determined to continue their dominance over the league, and fans can expect thrilling coverage throughout the season.
