The New Orleans Pelicans have won their play-in game against the Sacramento Kings without Zion Williamson on the court. That sets up an intriguing encounter against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the top seed in the Western Conference at 57-25. While the Thunder have to be favored because of their record and star power led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Pelicans will not be an easy team to beat if Zion Williamson can return in the series at some point from his apparent hamstring injury.
Thunder vs. Pelicans Head-to-Head
2023-24 Regular Season: Thunder vs. Pelicans 2-1
All-Time Playoff Series: Thunder vs. Pelicans 0-0
Starting Lineups
Oklahoma City Thunder: Josh Giddey, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren
New Orleans Pelicans: CJ McCollum, Herb Jones, Trey Murphy III, Brandon Ingram, Jonas Valanciunas
For the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander emerges as a formidable force, boasting an MVP-worthy season with an astonishing 30.1 points per game. His leadership has steered OKC to an impressive 57-win record, clinching the top spot in the Western Conference. Alongside him, Josh Giddey brings a blend of playmaking prowess and size, while Luguentz Dort fortifies the perimeter with his tenacious defense. In the frontcourt, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren form a formidable duo, excelling on both ends of the court.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans, though likely missing the explosive presence of Zion Williamson for a few games, aren’t short on firepower. CJ McCollum leads the charge, flanked by defensive stalwart Herb Jones and sharpshooter Trey Murphy III. Brandon Ingram adds another scoring threat to the mix, while Jonas Valanciunas aims to exploit his size advantage against the slender frame of Holmgren.
The key matchup to watch will undoubtedly be between Gilgeous-Alexander and the Pelicans’ defensive efforts. However, Valanciunas’s ability to assert dominance in the paint could prove pivotal, especially against a talented but comparatively youthful Thunder frontcourt. Despite the Pelicans’ resilience and scoring options, the Thunder boast a deeper roster and arguably the best player in the series in Gilgeous-Alexander.
Advantage: Oklahoma City Thunder
Bench
Oklahoma City Thunder: Cason Wallace, Aaron Wiggins, Isaiah Joe, Kenrich Williams, Gordon Hayward, Lindy Waters III, Ousmane Dieng
New Orleans Pelicans: Jose Alvarado, Dyson Daniels, Naji Marshall, Matt Ryan, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Larry Nance Jr, Cody Zeller
The Thunder’s bench boasts a youthful exuberance matched with versatility. Cason Wallace, Aaron Wiggins, and Isaiah Joe inject energy and scoring prowess, while Kenrich Williams adds a defensive spark with his ability to switch seamlessly. Gordon Hayward brings a veteran presence, offering stability and experience on the wing. With a blend of speed, scoring, and defensive flexibility, the Thunder’s bench is primed to make an impact on both ends of the floor.
On the flip side, the Pelicans rely heavily on defensive prowess from Jose Alvarado, who anchors the second unit with his tenacity and grit. Dyson Daniels and Naji Marshall provide additional defensive stability, while Matt Ryan adds a scoring punch from beyond the arc. However, the absence of Zion Williamson in the starting lineup has disrupted the bench depth, with Trey Murphy III’s promotion to the starting five leaving the reserves slightly depleted.
The key factor here lies in offensive firepower. With the Thunder boasting more talented offensive players off the bench, including Hayward’s veteran presence, they hold a distinct advantage in terms of scoring depth.
Advantage: Oklahoma City Thunder
Mark Daigneault vs. Willie Green
Mark Daigneault’s stellar performance this season could land him the coveted Coach of the Year title. His adeptness in cultivating a winning culture within a young Thunder roster, propelling them to the summit of the Western Conference, speaks volumes. Under his guidance, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has blossomed into a legitimate MVP candidate, a testament to Daigneault’s developmental prowess and strategic acumen.
On the opposing sideline, Willie Green has navigated the Pelicans through turbulent waters, particularly in the face of Zion Williamson’s recurring injuries. Despite having slightly less talent at his disposal, Green has masterfully steered the Pelicans into playoff contention, a feat that underscores his coaching prowess and ability to maximize the potential of his roster.
While Daigneault has excelled in harnessing the potential of his young squad and elevating Gilgeous-Alexander’s game to new heights, Green’s resilience and ability to overcome adversity cannot be overlooked.
Advantage: Even
Thunder Advantages
First and foremost, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stands out as the undisputed best player in the series. With an MVP-worthy season under his belt, averaging a staggering 30.1 points per game, Gilgeous-Alexander poses a constant threat to opposing defenses and can take over games single-handedly.
Complementing Gilgeous-Alexander’s brilliance are elite defenders such as Luguentz Dort and Chet Holmgren, who fortify the Thunder’s lineup with their tenacious defense and versatility on the court. Their ability to disrupt opposing offenses and clamp down on key players could prove instrumental in stifling the Pelicans’ scoring threats.
Moreover, the Thunder boasts a deep roster brimming with talent and depth. With at least 10 players capable of contributing meaningful minutes in the playoffs, Oklahoma City possesses a level of depth and versatility that few teams can match. Each player brings a unique skill set to the table, and Coach Mark Daigneault has instilled a culture of trust and cohesion within the squad. As the number one seed in the Western Conference, the Thunder have earned their place at the top for a reason.
Pelicans Advantages
Despite Zion Williamson’s absence, the Pelicans benefit from the veteran leadership and experience of CJ McCollum. His playoff experience and scoring ability provide a stabilizing presence for the team, offering valuable guidance and leadership during critical moments. Jonas Valanciunas emerges as a significant advantage for the Pelicans, particularly in the paint. His imposing size and physicality can pose a significant challenge for the Thunder’s slender Chet Holmgren, potentially allowing Valanciunas to dominate the interior and control the boards.
The Pelicans’ starting lineup features a formidable combination of talent and versatility. Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III provide valuable contributions on both ends of the floor, with their perimeter defense and outside shooting adding an extra dimension to the team’s arsenal. Brandon Ingram, motivated to showcase his All-Star caliber play, brings scoring prowess and playmaking ability, poised to elevate his game on the postseason stage.
Who Is The Better Team In The First Round?
The Thunder boast a formidable roster led by the exceptional talent of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who undoubtedly holds the title of the best player in the series. Supported by a deep and versatile lineup, Oklahoma City presents a well-rounded team capable of competing at the highest level.
On the other hand, the Pelicans have showcased resilience and determination, particularly in their victory over the Sacramento Kings in the play-in tournament. While the absence of Zion Williamson poses a significant challenge, the Pelicans possess a talented roster led by veteran presence CJ McCollum and bolstered by the contributions of players like Brandon Ingram and Jonas Valanciunas.
Ultimately, the Thunder hold the edge as the better team in this matchup, with their combination of star power, depth, and regular-season success. However, if Zion were to return to full health, the Pelicans could present a more formidable challenge. Despite this, the Thunder’s overall strength and consistency make them the favorites to prevail in the series, likely clinching victory in six games.
Prediction: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. New Orleans Pelicans 4-2
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