3 keys to Thunder winning first-round series vs surging Pelicans

2. Control the rebounding game

In the four factors of basketball, the OKC Thunder picked rebounding as its biggest trade-off every time they stepped on the court this season. 

Against these Pelicans, however, they should not let up as the game could easily swing in NOLA’s favor if they fail to pull down their fair share of boards. 

The Thunder are among the worst rebounding teams in the league throughout the season. They finished bottom four in rebounds per game (42) and were the second-worst offensive rebounding squad (8.8 per game). 

One player who should be crucial in this aspect on the opposing side of the ball will be Jonas Valanciunas. The seven-footer led his team in rebounds in the regular season with 8.8 per game. 

Thankfully, the Thunder seemed geared to contain Valanciunas in the boards after he posted nine, nine, and six rebounds, respectively, in his last three games.

These single-digit productions in terms of rebounds could be an indicator of how former rebounding schemes against him could work in the playoffs. 

Ranked 13th in rebounds per game, the Pelicans may look to exploit the Thunder’s lack of size and heft in the paint to control games. 

Watch out for Oklahoma City to continue gang rebounding against New Orleans, addressing what has been the biggest weakness in the team’s offense and, hopefully, making it respectable.