Thunder Gameday: Continuing Road Trip with Stop in New Orleans

The middle frame of Oklahoma City's three-game road trip will be against the Pelicans.

After winning three-straight games, the Oklahoma City Thunder were crushed by the Phoenix Suns earlier this week. With that in mind, Oklahoma City was shorthanded and missing key pieces.

The Thunder should be closer to full strength tonight against the New Orleans Pelicans on the road. New Orleans has lost seven of its last 10 games, but is 21-11 at home this season overall. 

Can Oklahoma City get its 12th road win of the season? 

Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

ODDS:

The Thunder enter the day as 3.5-point underdogs to the Pelicans, and the total over/under is 226.5 points.

KEYS TO THE GAME:

The Pelicans are still without Zion Williamson, which is part of the reason they’ve continuously slid down the standings.

On the season, New Orleans has been a quality defensive team ranking in the top 10 of the league. Offensively, they turn the ball over at a relatively high rate but shoot efficiently from the floor. If the Thunder are going to have success, it will come down to matching the defensive intensity and forcing those turnovers.

In reality, the health of both teams will be critical in this contest. Especially for Oklahoma City, it will come down to the availability of guys like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams. 

RECORDS:

Oklahoma City Thunder (31-35) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (32-34)

WHEN:

Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 7:30 PM CT

LOCATION:

Smoothie King Center - New Orleans, LA

TV/RADIO:

Bally Sports Oklahoma, NBA League Pass, 98.1 FM The Sports Animal

FINAL WORD:

Following this contest, the Thunder will head straight to San Antonio to take on the Spurs tomorrow night. Meanwhile, the Pelicans will host the Portland Trail Blazers on the second night of a back-to-back.

---

Want to join the discussion? Like SI Thunder on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest Thunder news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.