Thunder Host Pelicans in West's Top vs Bottom Clash
The Oklahoma City Thunder welcome the New Orleans Pelicans to Paycom Center on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, in a matchup that highlights the stark contrast between the Western Conference's best and worst teams. The Thunder currently sit comfortably in first place in the West, while the Pelicans find themselves anchored at the bottom of the standings.
Injury Status and Rotations for Both Teams
The Thunder enter this contest dealing with significant injury concerns, listing seven players on their official report. Six players have already been ruled out:
- Alex Caruso
- Isaiah Hartenstein
- Ajay Mitchell
- Thomas Sorber
- Nikola Topic
- Jalen Williams
Cason Wallace remains questionable with left hip soreness, potentially forcing coach Mark Daigneault to rely more heavily on Lindy Waters III and Kenrich Williams for perimeter minutes.
The Pelicans face even greater roster challenges, with Dejounte Murray continuing his recovery from a ruptured right Achilles tendon that will keep him sidelined for several more weeks. Additionally, Trey Alexander and Hunter Dickinson are unavailable due to G League assignments, leaving New Orleans with a severely shortened rotation.
Coach Willie Green will need to lean heavily on Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, supported by Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, and Jose Alvarado to fill out the remaining minutes.
Head-to-Head Context and Historical Dominance
Oklahoma City maintains a commanding lead in the all-time regular-season series against New Orleans, holding a 48–32 advantage. The Thunder have been particularly dominant in recent years, winning seven of the last ten meetings between these franchises.
More impressively, Oklahoma City has won all six home games against the Pelicans since 2022, with New Orleans last tasting victory in Oklahoma City back in March 2022. Earlier this season, the Thunder handled the Pelicans without significant difficulty, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the way with his trademark scoring and playmaking.
Team Statistics Snapshot
The statistical comparison between these teams reveals why they occupy such different positions in the standings:
- Records: Pelicans 12–36 (15th West) vs Thunder 37–10 (1st West)
- Field Goal Percentage: Pelicans 46.3% (T-21st) vs Thunder 49.2% (3rd)
- Three-Point Attempts: Pelicans 33.9 (28th) vs Thunder 43.8 (6th)
- Free Throw Percentage: Pelicans 78.5% (T-16th) vs Thunder 82.4% (2nd)
- Turnovers: Pelicans 14.5 vs Thunder 12.1
Oklahoma City demonstrates superior efficiency across multiple categories, shooting better from the field, getting to the free-throw line more frequently, and committing fewer turnovers. New Orleans struggles to generate offense, particularly from beyond the arc, and faces challenges creating easy scoring opportunities when the game tempo increases.
Key Players Who Will Shape the Game
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to be the engine driving Oklahoma City's success, averaging an impressive 32.1 points per game while controlling the Thunder's offensive flow. With Dejounte Murray sidelined, Gilgeous-Alexander enjoys a clear advantage in the backcourt matchup.
Chet Holmgren's rim protection and floor spacing will be crucial against Zion Williamson, who remains New Orleans' primary interior threat and pressure creator. Brandon Ingram shoulders most of the Pelicans' offensive creation responsibilities, while Jose Alvarado provides defensive energy but limited scoring output.
How the Game Likely Unfolds
Oklahoma City enters as substantial 14.5-point home favorites, with the total points line set at 234.5. The Thunder are expected to push the tempo, attack the paint aggressively, and build their lead through efficient shooting and free-throw opportunities.
For New Orleans to remain competitive, they must slow the game pace, maintain clean possessions, and receive exceptional performances from both Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. On paper, this matchup heavily favors Oklahoma City, with the primary question being how long the injury-depleted Pelicans can keep the score respectable.
The Thunder's depth, superior execution, and home-court advantage create significant challenges for a New Orleans team missing key pieces and operating with minimal margin for error. This contest ultimately comes down to whether the Pelicans can sustain their effort and efficiency across all four quarters against one of the NBA's elite teams.
