This Western Conference clash pits one of the league’s worst teams, the injury-plagued New Orleans Pelicans, against the dominant Oklahoma City Thunder, who boast one of the NBA’s best records and elite defense. The Thunder, led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, look to continue their strong season at home against a struggling Pelicans squad mired in a rebuild-like season with heavy absences.
Event Details
Venue: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET (7:00 PM CT / 5:00 PM PT)
Broadcast/Streaming: Gulf Coast Sports / WVUE / Pelicans+ (New Orleans local), FDSOK (Oklahoma local), NBA League Pass
Injury Report
New Orleans Pelicans: Severely hampered with multiple key absences.
Jose Alvarado: Out (Left Oblique Strain)
Herbert Jones: Out (Right Ankle Sprain)
Dejounte Murray: Out (various reports indicate ongoing issues)
Other potential: Historical notes on Zion Williamson (abductor/leg issues earlier), but recent focus on backcourt/frontcourt depth losses. Pelicans have only limited players listed in some reports, but overall heavily depleted roster impacting defense and scoring.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Relatively healthy core, though some depth concerns.
Multiple players listed in reports (up to seven in some contexts, including minor or G-League/two-way), but stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren available and leading. No major stars ruled out; Thunder maintain strong availability for key contributors.
Key Player Matchups
Backcourt Battle: Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (elite scoring, ~30+ PPG potential, playmaking) vs. Pelicans’ limited guards (e.g., backups or Trey Murphy III shifting roles). SGA’s efficiency and scoring should overwhelm New Orleans’ depleted perimeter.
Wing/Forward: Pelicans’ Trey Murphy III (team-high ~22.2 PPG, shooting threat) vs. Thunder’s Jalen Williams or Lu Dort (defensive length). Thunder’s wings provide superior defense and transition scoring.
Frontcourt: Pelicans’ Derik Queen or remaining bigs (~7+ RPG leader) vs. Thunder’s Chet Holmgren (rim protection, spacing). OKC’s elite defense (league-best ~107.9 PPG allowed) stifles interior play.
Key X-Factor: Thunder’s depth and defense vs. Pelicans’ injuries—New Orleans relies on Murphy and scraps, while OKC’s balanced attack (120.8 PPG scored, first in NBA) exploits mismatches.
Recent Team Form
Pelicans: Deep struggles with 12-36 record (one of league’s worst). Recent win over Grizzlies (133-127 on prior date), but overall poor defense (122.1 PPG allowed, near-worst) and offense (114.8 PPG, bottom-tier). Road woes severe, with low shooting efficiency and rebounding deficits.
Thunder: Elite form with 37-10 record. Recent loss to Pacers (117-114), but overall dominant (+12.9 point differential). Top offense (120.8 PPG) and defense (107.9 allowed), strong at home. Recent games show resilience and high-level play from stars.
Series History
All-time regular season: Thunder lead significantly (~47-32 in recent counts, overall 47-32 or similar edge). Thunder on long winning streak vs. Pelicans (11+ games including playoffs in some historical contexts). Recent matchups favor OKC heavily, with blowouts possible against struggling New Orleans. Thunder swept or dominated earlier 2025-26 meetings where applicable.
Betting Trends
Thunder strong ATS as large home favorites; Pelicans struggle covering as big underdogs. Total trends under in Thunder defensive games (elite holding opponents low), but Pelicans’ poor defense could allow OKC to push scoring. Heavy sharp/public lean to OKC side.
Game Odds
New Orleans Pelicans 233.5
Oklahoma City Thunder – 14.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, January 26, 2026
