The Oklahoma City Thunder will be playing the New Orleans Pelicans to keep their hopes alive for a postseason run. After finishing 10th in the Western Conference, they are not yet out of the race for a playoff spot. They have been decent this season after being a mid-table team in the West. However, it is going to be an immense matchup as the team which loses will be eliminated from the playoffs.
It is going to be an enthralling game as the Pelicans edged out the Thunder in the regular season 3-1 in the 4-game series. In the last game between the Miami Heat vs Atlanta Hawks, the latter caused an upset by solidifying a 7th-place finish with a win. It will be no surprise to see the game going in either direction.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will lead the line for the Oklahoma City Thunder against New Orleans Pelicans tonight
Shai has been instrumental in the success of the Thunder this season. He is the primary scorer for the Thunder and is leading the line averaging 31.4 points per game. Fortunately, he is available for tonight’s selection and is listed as active going into tonight’s game. The Thunder do not carry any significant injury going into the game and carry a healthy roster and a strong starting 5.
Thunder’s injury report for tomorrow’s Play-In game
Pelicans have yet to submit theirs pic.twitter.com/cp2577wfOg
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) April 11, 2023
The Pelicans have battled it out to grab a spot for the play-in tournament without their talisman their entire season, Zion Williamson. In his absence, Brandon Ingram has spearheaded the Pelicans in the league with some impressive performances. Let’s take a look at the complete injury report and expected roster of both teams.
Oklahoma City Thunder injury report
- Aleksej Pokusevski (Out)
- Kenrich Williams (Out)
- Chet Holmgren (Out)
Oklahoma City Thunder expected roster
- Jalen Williams
- Luguentz Dort
- Jaylin Williams
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- Josh Giddey
New Orleans Pelicans injury report
- Larry Nance Jr. (Questionable)
- Jose Alvarado (Out)
- Zion Williamson (Out)
- E. J. Liddell (Out)
New Orleans Pelicans expected roster
- Brandon Ingram
- Trey Murphy III
- Jonas Valanciunas
- Herb Jones
- CJ McCollum
The New Orleans Pelicans will be favored to win against the Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder-Pelicans game is not going to be straightforward as teams will be putting much more effort into the game. As seen yesterday night the result went in the favour of the Hawks after the Heat were favorites to win. Despite the loss of Williamson, Brandon Ingram had a 42-point game in the loss against the Timberwolves.
We cannot completely rule out the Thunder as they are a capable squad. However, the Pelicans will be aware of the threat Shai poses in the offense and will look to eliminate him from the equation as much as possible. With that said we expect the Pelicans to take the win and go ahead to the second round of the Play-in Tournament.
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