The New Orleans Pelicans stand atop the Southwest division despite teams like the Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets making a case for themselves. With the season already reaching its climactic end, it’s in the team’s interests to push for a top-four finish.
However, the team that stands in the way of their chase for fourth is strong. The Oklahoma City Thunder have been firing on all cylinders this season and all but secured their playoff berth.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will be a tough cookie to crack for Willie Green’s men, but they have a Zion Williamson who is on a quest to prove his doubters wrong.
New Orleans Pelicans must count on Zion Williamson to bring the offense forward
The biggest challenge for the New Orleans Pelicans for their late-season duel against the Thunder will be how they will be able to stop the Thunder without one of their key players in Brandon Ingram.
His knee injury will keep him out for at least two weeks, which removes 20.9 of the 115.7 points they score every game. His rebounding (5.8) and court vision (5.8) will also be sorely missed.
Thankfully, Zion Williamson has been stepping up for the Pelicans. He’s averaging 22 points in their last five games, with his 36 against the Detroit Pistons being one of his most impressive outings this season.
However, he was barely felt against the Miami Heat, only scoring four points with an abysmal 2-for-7 shooting clip. He needs to improve his shot selection if he wants to make his presence felt against Oklahoma City.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the man to stop in OKC
The Oklahoma City Thunder have been unstoppable in the West. The Associated Press reported that they have a 31-15 record against Western Conference teams, outscoring opposition by 7.4 points throughout that stretch.
As expected the key man to stop for the Pelicans is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The two-time All-Star selection is putting together an MVP-worthy season, averaging 30.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 6.3 assists with a 54%/37%/87% clip.
However, he isn’t the only man worthy of stopping for the Thunder, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren turned the team into serious contenders. Moreover, they have outstanding contributors in Lou Dort and Josh Giddey.
It will seem impossible, but the New Orleans Pelicans must play a perfect game if they want to inch closer to a homecourt advantage during the first round of the playoffs.
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