OKC Thunder returns to Spotlight vs Pelicans in ESPN matchup

The OKC Thunder welcome the New Orleans Pelicans to the Paycom Center on Wednesday. It will represent the first time the Thunder will host a National TV game since the 209-20 season. The Oklahoma City Thunder will be on ESPN a year to the date that they were supposed to make their return to the National spotlight.

When the NBA released the 2022-23 NBA schedule, they pitted number two overall pick Chet Holmgren against number one overall pick Paolo Banchero on TNT’s National TV game on November 1st, 2022. Holmgren was subsequently sidelined with an injury for the entire year just a few weeks later, and the NBA swiftly flexed that game out of the limelight.

That contest was still good, but it was only seen on the Regional Sports networks. The Thunder made their return to National Television in South Beach as the calendar flipped to 2023, then again in LaLa Land to knock off LeBron James on the night he broke the NBA’s All-Time points record.

OKC Thunder returns to National TV in the Paycom Center as they host the New Orleans Pelicans.

Tonight, the OKC Thunder will welcome in the New Orleans Pelicans to the Paycom Center for a game that will be broadcast on ESPN, Bally Sports Oklahoma, and Ball Sports New Orleans.

ESPN is sending Mark Jones, Monica McNutt, and Katie George. If there is one thing that is guaranteed, it is that Mark Jones, who is notorious for pushing the envelope, will have a lot of fun with Josh Giddey’s new nickname.

The stars will be out tonight, with Zion Williamson set to play in front of OKC Thunder fans for the first time in his career. His only other trip to Bricktown was during the season with no fans.

The Thunder come into this matchup 3-1, with the Pelicans marching in 2-1. The only hiccup on the Injury Report is Brandon Ingram’s current questionable designation. Nonetheless, it will be good for the Oklahoma City Thunder to return to the National Spotlight in their home arena.