Oklahoma City Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans Pre-Game Analysis

The Oklahoma City Thunder are hosting the New Orleans Pelicans in a game where both teams have a different look.

The 23-36 New Orleans Pelicans and the 33-35 Oklahoma City Thunder are playing in their fourth contest against each other, OKC taking the previous 3. This one should have a different feel to it as each team has reworked their rosters a bit. Trying to avoid a season series sweep, the Pelicans are hoping to overcome the Thunder’s new weapons with their own.

Opponent Spotlight:

Sometime between during or after this year’s All-Star game, the Sacramento Kings traded DeMarcus Cousins to the Pelicans. The move stunned the NBA world, especially considering the details of the trade. Not to delve too deep into it, the market for Cousins didn’t seem particularly flush with suitors. No matter though, because New Orleans added an All-Star, All-NBA talent to play with their incumbent all-star. And just in the nick of time.

During the last week of January, New Orleans dealt with a losing streak leading into February. In February before the trade, the Pelicans were 4-4 with six of them coming on the road. With their road games also came a .500 record. Including the two games since the trade, the offensive rating of the team has been a rating of 99, with a defensive rating of 106 during the month. On the second night of back to backs the Pelicans’ opponents are averaging 113 points per game in February. The Thunder are only averaging 95 points per game on the second night of back to backs. The Pelicans defense ranks in the top ten of the league, however the Thunder are averaging 112 points per game in the 3 match ups.

Dangerous Duo:

The tandem of Davis and Cousins is sure to give OKC a defensive test of their own. In two games with New Orleans, Cousins is averaging 19 points, 14.5 rebounds and a little over five assists per game. His 50% field goal percentage in those games is indicative of his talent. The offense has struggled since his arrival, putting up only 91 points in the two games – small sample size alert. With time however, talent figures it out. Given the opponent – a Thunder team that just came off a rout of the Los Angeles Lakers – it may prove difficult to find a win tonight.

Thunder Game Notes:

Paint Points: The Thunder have to focus on points in the paint this game. With the duo of Davis and Cousins, the paint will be an emphasis for them on defense. OKC is 2^nd in the league in paint points allowed – 47 points. The Pelicans average 43 points in the paint. The addition of Taj Gibson should shore up a lot of slippage in that area.

More from Thunderous Intentions

Free Throw Shooting: The Oklahoma City Thunder efficiency from the stripe hasn’t been great this season. Against the Pelicans it has been ghastly. OKC is shooting 67% from the line in 3 games against them. Close games are turned by foul shots. Miss a few in row while the offense of the opponent gets going and a 10 point lead can dwindle to 5 in a matter of possessions.

Gel With New Roster: Continue to improve. This is a new Thunder team, with relatively new potential. It’s important that the Thunder show the same patience as it has pre all-star break when integrating the new pieces. That also includes Enes Kanter. Going 2-12 last game against the Lakers with only 4 points in 19 minutes, the level of acclimation needed was clear. After missing ten games with a broken arm, it’s going to take some time to regain his footing. Even more so with the retooled bench unit.

Injuries for Thunder:

Victor Oladipo Game Time Decision (Back)

Game Specifics:

Home Game Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, OK

Tip-Off: 6:00 PM CT/ 7:00 PM ET

Radio: WWLS 98.1FM OKC / 930AM (ESP)

Home/Thunder News