OKC Thunder begin week nine facing the Pelicans

Key matchup:

The 2019 Most Improved Player, Brandon Ingram may not be considered the star of the Pelicans but he’s been healthier and consistently provided top marks on his team.

Ingram leads the Pelicans in scoring with 22.9 points per contest and averages 6.2 rebounds, and 4.9 assists. He’s shooting 44.7 percent from the field and 35.8 percent from the perimeter.

While Ingram is the primary scorer center Jonas Valanciunas can’t be ignored. He’s tied with Domantas Sabonis for the league-leading 22 double-doubles this season. In fact, he’s averaging a double-double of 18.7 points and 11.9 rebounds (3.5 offensive boards), plus 2.5 assists.

JV is shooting  51.5 percent from the field and 45.7 percent from the perimeter although he only attempts 2.4 deep balls per game.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander‘s cousin Nickeil Alexander-Walker is the main player off the bench and registers the third-most points for the Pelicans with 13.7 per game and adds 3.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.0 steals per contest.

While this wasn’t a big draft year for the Pelicans Herb Jones is a player worth keeping track of given his strong defensive skills. Another intriguing player who could draw interest at the trade deadline depending on what direction the Pelicans decide to take to complete this season.

Hart like Kenrich Williams is a support player who checks off a lot of boxes and operates as a glue guy for the Pelicans.