NBA 2025-2026: New Orleans Pelicans vs Oklahoma City Thunder Prediction

Recent performances suggest contrasting trends for these two teams. The New Orleans Pelicans have been struggling, coming off three consecutive losses against the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, and Portland Trail Blazers. Despite Zion Williamson's consistent scoring, they have been unable to secure a win, which underscores their defensive vulnerabilities, as evidenced by their high defensive ratings. In stark contrast, the Oklahoma City Thunder have been riding high on a winning streak, triumphing over the Charlotte Hornets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Golden State Warriors. This success is driven by their efficient offense, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with an impressive offensive rating of 137.3 and an average of 32.57 points per game. Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein also contribute significantly to the team’s robust defense, both boasting defensive ratings around 100. The Pelicans' starting five have generally higher defensive ratings, indicating potential struggles to contain the Thunder's potent offense. While Trey Murphy III and Zion Williamson show promise on offense, their defensive lapses could be exploited by the Thunder's high-scoring players.