Gameday Preview: OKC Thunder visit New Orleans seeking one final victory prior to All-Star break
By Alex Mcewen
Projected Line-ups
OKC Thunder Starters:
Point Guard: Russell Westbrook
Shooting Guard: Terrance Ferguson
Small Forward: Paul George
Power Forward: Patrick Patterson
Center: Steven Adams*
OKC Thunder Bench
Point Guard: Dennis Schroder*, Raymond Felton
Shooting Guard: Hamidou Diallo, Deonte Burton, Scotty Hopson*
Small Forward: Abdel Nader
Power Forward: Richard Solomon*
Center: Nerlens Noel
*10-day contract additions
Donovan was also unsure if Schroder would be available for Thursday’s game. Said they’ve been keeping in contact after the birth of Schroder’s child. https://t.co/81nZJHarrp
— Erik Horne (@ErikkHorne) February 13, 2019
Injury Notes:
Andre Roberson: Avulsion Fracture – out indefinitely.
Steven Adams: Ankle/Shoulder – Adams aggravated his shoulder and Ankle during the Blazers game. He is not listed on the injury report, but his status should be monitored.
Jerami Grant: Ankle – As of Wednesday afternoon head coach Billy Donovan did not expect Grant to play.
Dennis Schroder: Paternal absence – Schroder missed Oklahoma City’s previous game due to the birth of he and his fiancée Ellen’s first child. His status is undermined.
Pelicans Starters
Point Guard: Jrue Holiday
Shooting Guard: Kenrich Williams
Small Forward: E’Twaun Moore
Power Forward: Anthony Davis
Center: Jahlil Okafor
Pelicans Bench
Point Guard: Tim Frazier, Frank Jackson
Shooting Guard: Ian Clark
Small Forward: Darius Miller, Solomon Hill, Stanley Johnson
Power Forward: Julius Randle, Cheick Diallo, Jason Smith
Center:
Injury Notes
Trevon Bluiett: Thumb – Out
Elfrid Payton: Ankle – Game time decision
Game Specifics
Recent History:
More from Thunderous Intentions
- Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
- Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
- 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
All-time the Thunder are 24-14 vs. the Pelicans. OKC is 7-3 in the last 10 games against New Orleans.
Fan Data:
The Venue: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
The Tip: 7:00 PM CST (8:00 EST)
TV: TNT
Radio: Oklahoma City – WWLS 98.1FM OKC / 930AM (ESP) and League Pass Audio
Closing Thoughts
The All-Star break is coming at a good and bad moment for the OKC Thunder. On one hand, taking into account Grant and Adams are banged up the break could not arrive at a better time, allowing them an opportunity to let their bodies heel.
On the other hand, Oklahoma City is currently rolling, having won 11 of their last 12 games. The seven-day layover could affect OKC’s rhythm. The break also presents the chance for the Schroder family to bond, perhaps making Dennis’ transition back onto the hardwood somewhat easier.’
Next. Buyout series part 2 – Wilson Chandler is the perfect wing. dark
Happy Valentines Day Thunder Nation and enjoy the match. Check back with Thunderous Intentions for post-game grades and the Topic: Thunder podcast after the game. Stay with T.I as we will be bringing you full coverage of All-Star weekend, including All-Star Saturday night and the big game on Sunday.