Oklahoma City is on a losing streak after dropping a pair of close contests to Indiana and Toronto. The reigning champs will look to bounce back against New Orleans. Jalen Williams, Isaiah Hartenstein, Ajay Mitchell and Alex Caruso remain out for the Thunder, while Cason Wallace is questionable to play. 

Here are three key matchups for what should be a closer game than expected.

Since the beginning of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s breakout 2023 season, Herb Jones has defended him across 385 possessions and held Oklahoma City’s superstar to a mere 12.5 points per 75 possessions on 45.1% true shooting. 

Jones’ unique blend of length, mobility, quick hands and defensive instincts makes him a nightmare matchup. He’s indisputably the best Gilgeous-Alexander defender in the NBA. It doesn’t help that New Orleans loves to consistently blitz and trap the reigning league MVP in order to make him pass the basketball. 

This would not be an issue under normal circumstances because his teammates could punish the Pelicans for this strategy. However, the Thunder’s roster is currently decimated by injuries, and its three best advantage creators besides Gilgeous-Alexander are all out. 

If New Orleans manages to hold him to a maximum of 30 points on good but not great efficiency – which has been the average game for Gilgeous-Alexander in recent matchups against the Pelicans – then it’s very difficult to see Oklahoma City reaching 110 points. 

Now, the Thunder’s defense may wind up holding the Pelicans to less than this total, but its margin for error would be significantly reduced. 

Oklahoma City predictably struggles to rebound without Isaiah Hartenstein. Since his Dec. 29 injury, opponents have grabbed 33.3% of their potential offensive rebounds, which is the third-highest rate during this stretch according to NBA.com. 

Meanwhile, New Orleans boasts a ton of length and ranks eighth in offensive rebound percentage this month. Yves Missi, Zion Williamson and Derik Queen are significant threats to rack up put-backs and second chance points. 

The Thunder must commit to boxing out and fighting tooth and nail for every rebound. Brooks Barnhizer is a player to monitor. The rookie quietly thrives at doing the dirty work and rebounding the basketball in traffic. 

The Pelicans’ defense surrenders the third-highest three-point attempt rate in the NBA, while the Thunder’s defense gives up the sixth-highest rate. 

Both squads should be launching from deep and raining triples in this matchup. New Orleans has been one of the worst teams in terms of knocking them down efficiently, while Oklahoma City is very erratic. There is a strong chance that this game features enough bricks to build a house.