Just when fans thought the New Orleans Pelicans’ 3-8 start couldn’t get any worse, the schedule is about to get real.
During their first 11 games, the Pelicans faced teams that currently hold winning records only three times, and lost each game. Their opponents had a combined record of 50-41 (.549).
Over their next seven games, they will play just one game against a team with a losing record (Dallas, 5-6), with four coming on the road.
It’s a daunting time for a team ravaged by injuries and playing some of the worst basketball in the NBA. New Orleans ranks 23rd in Offensive Rating (109.4), 30th in Defense (119.3), and 28th in Net Rating (-9.9).
The Pelicans are at their worst in the second half of games when their net rating drops to -16.3, only slightly better than the 2-8 Utah Jazz (-19.2).
Tonight, they begin their gauntlet against the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are currently tied for the best record in the Western Conference (9-2). The Thunder have suffered serious injuries to their frontcourt, losing Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Jaylin Williams, but have plenty of talent remaining.
The New Orleans backcourt has been decimated. With Jose Alvarado now grounded, the Pelicans don’t have a point guard on the roster. The allure of “position-less basketball” is diminished considerably when you don’t have depth.
For the Pelicans to have a chance at an upset, they must play above the level of their collective talents. That’s possible, but not probable. More than likely, Pelicans fans will be settling in for an extended losing streak.
But hey, that’s why they play the games.
Most Recent Starting Lineups
| New Orleans Pelicans | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| G – Jose Alvarado | G – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander |
| G – Brandon Boston Jr. | G – Jalen Williams |
| F – Brandon Ingram | F – Aaron Wiggins |
| F – Trey Murphy III | F – Luguentz Dort |
| C – Yves Missi | F – Isaiah Joe |
Injuries
New Orleans Pelicans: Jose Alvarado (left hamstring strain), Jordan Hawkins (low back strain), Herb Jones (right shoulder strain), CJ McCollum (right adductor strain), Dejounte Murray (left hand fracture), and Zion Williamson (left hamstring strain) are OUT.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Isaiah Hartenstein (fractured left hand), Chet Holmgren (broken hip), Nikola Topic (torn left ACL), and Jaylin Williams (right hamstring) are OUT.
Who: New Orleans Pelicans (3-8) vs Oklahoma City Thunder (9-2)
Season Series:
- Nov. 13: Pelicans at Thunder
- Dec. 7: Pelicans vs. Thunder
- Feb. 10: Pelicans at Thunder
- Apr. 13: Pelicans vs. Thunder
Series History: The Pelicans are 32-42 all-time vs. the Thunder. New Orleans has lost two in a row to Oklahoma City but won their last regular-season meeting in OKC.
Where: Paycom Center
When: Nov. 13, 6:30 PM CST
Where to watch: ESPN
Where to listen: WWL Radio 870 AM/105.3 FM
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