The Oklahoma City Thunder suffered their second loss of the season in a disappointing meltdown at home on Wednesday against the New Orleans Pelicans. After taking an early lead by as many as 22 points midway through the second quarter, OKC was unable to hold on as the Pelicans used their size and strength to outrebound the Thunder and come back to win 110-106.
Late in the game Wednesday night, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hyperextended his knee, resulting in a sprain that will keep him out of tonight’s game as the Thunder open up the NBA In-Season Tournament at home against the Golden State Warriors. Missing Shai is a big hit for OKC, but it will give the Thunder an opportunity to try to figure some things out without having to rely on their superstar. Meanwhile, the Warriors are at full strength and currently tied for second in the West with a 4-1 record.
Oklahoma City is going to need rely on their length and speed on the defensive end in hopes that they can force the Warriors into some extra mistakes. If the Thunder can buckle down on defense, they should be able to score enough on the offensive end to put them in a position to win the game.
Game Details
Tip-Off: 7 PM CT
Location: Paycom Center (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
Television: Bally Sports Oklahoma
Radio: WWLS 98.1FM OKC The Sports Animal
Twitter: Follow @ZacharyLowNBA for live tweets and discussion during the game
Game Notes: Oklahoma City Thunder Official Game Notes, Golden State Warriors Official Game Notes
Projected Starters
Thunder
- PG: Josh Giddey
- SG: Cason Wallace
- SF: Luguentz Dort
- PF: Jalen Williams
- C: Chet Holmgren
Warriors
- PG: Steph Curry
- SG: Klay Thompson
- SF: Andrew Wiggins
- PF: Draymond Green
- C: Kevon Looney
Injury Report
Thunder
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is OUT (sprained left knee).
- Keyontae Johnson is OUT (G League — two-way).
- Jaylin Williams is QUESTIONABLE (strained right hamstring).
- Kenrich Williams is OUT (lower back spasms).
Warriors
- NO INJURIES
Head-to-Head
- Since arriving in Oklahoma City in 2008, the Thunder is 23-29 against the Warriors in the regular season (15-11 at home, 8-18 on the road) and 3-4 in the playoffs (2-1 at home, 1-3 on the road).
- Since arriving in Oklahoma City in 2008, the Thunder has won the season series with the Warriors 6 times, lost it 6 times, and tied twice.
- The Thunder went 1-3 against the Warriors last season (1-1 at home, 0-2 on the road).