By Henry 
Key Points on OKC Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans Match Player Stats
- Research suggests the OKC Thunder hold a strong edge in recent matchups, winning the last eight games against the Pelicans, including a 126-109 victory on November 17, 2025, where Chet Holmgren led with 26 points and nine rebounds.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander seems likely to dominate, averaging 23.0 points career against New Orleans, while Zion Williamson counters with 23.2 points, though his team’s defensive struggles (120+ rating) limit impact.
- The evidence leans toward OKC’s elite defense (league-best 105.2 rating) overwhelming the Pelicans’ offense, potentially affecting playoff seeding as Thunder sit at 36-8 atop the West and Pelicans at 10-35 near the bottom.
- Bench scoring highlights include OKC’s Ajay Mitchell (14.2 PPG) providing sparks, versus New Orleans’ inconsistent reserves.
- Fantasy implications: High-upside picks like Gilgeous-Alexander (31.8 PPG) and Williamson (22.5 PPG) offer double-double potential, but OKC’s defensive efficiency may cap Pelicans’ outputs.
For more details, see the comprehensive analysis below. Visit NBA.com for live stats and ESPN for previews.
Recent Matchups The Thunder have won both 2025-26 season games against the Pelicans: 137-106 on November 2 and 126-109 on November 17. In the latter, OKC’s balanced attack shone with Holmgren’s 26 points.
Standings and Implications OKC leads the West (36-8), while New Orleans lags (10-35). Upcoming January 27 game at Paycom Center could solidify OKC’s top seed.
Player Spotlights
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 31.8 PPG season, strong vs. Pelicans.
- Zion Williamson: 22.5 PPG, but injury concerns persist.
Did you know the OKC Thunder have won their last eight games against the New Orleans Pelicans, including dominant victories this season? This deep dive into okc thunder vs new orleans pelicans match player stats reveals why OKC continues to thrive while New Orleans faces challenges, offering insights for NBA fans, sports bettors, fantasy basketball players, and dedicated followers of both teams.
The Thunder-Pelicans matchup has evolved into a lopsided affair in recent years, with OKC holding a historical edge (48-32 overall). This season, the Thunder’s explosive offense and stifling defense have propelled them to a 36-8 record, leading the Western Conference standings. In contrast, the Pelicans sit at 10-35, struggling with consistency and injuries.
Recent okc thunder vs new orleans pelicans match player stats highlight the gap. On November 2, 2025, at Paycom Center, OKC cruised to a 137-106 win. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dropped 30 points efficiently (12-20 FG), while Chet Holmgren added 16 points and nine rebounds. Zion Williamson managed 20 points for New Orleans, but their bench scoring was minimal (under 40 points combined). Two weeks later, on November 17 at Smoothie King Center, the Thunder won 126-109. Holmgren led with 26 points and nine rebounds, showcasing his double-double potential (he’s among the league’s leaders in blocks at 2.0 per game).
These games underscore trends: OKC’s field goal percentage hovers around 49%, often exploiting New Orleans’ poor defensive rating (around 120, one of the league’s worst). The Pelicans’ turnover issues (14.6 per game) fuel OKC’s fast breaks, leading to high-scoring outputs.
Let’s break down the standouts, using season averages and head-to-head data for a clear picture.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC): The MVP candidate averages 31.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 6.2 assists this season, with a 54.7% field goal percentage. Career against the Pelicans, he posts 23.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.6 assists. In the November 17 game, he scored 29 points with eight assists, dissecting New Orleans’ perimeter defense. His ability to draw fouls (8.3 free throws per game at 89%) makes him a fantasy basketball must-start.
Zion Williamson (NOP): Despite the team’s woes, Williamson remains a force at 22.5 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, shooting 58.5% from the field. His career stats vs. OKC are similar (23.2 points, 6.6 rebounds), but efficiency dips against Holmgren’s rim protection. In the recent loss, he scored 20 points but turned it over twice, highlighting vulnerability against OKC’s blocks (5.9 per game, second in NBA).
Chet Holmgren (OKC): A defensive anchor with 17.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks. His 57.3% shooting and 36.8% from three stretch the floor. Against New Orleans, he’s averaged double-doubles, blocking shots that disrupt Williamson’s drives.
Trey Murphy III (NOP): Leading scorer at 22.2 points, with 3.1 threes per game at 38.7%. His spacing could challenge OKC, but the Thunder’s defensive rating (105.2) often limits opponents’ three-point percentage.
Other notables: OKC’s Jalen Williams (16.8 points, 5.6 assists) provides playmaking, while New Orleans’ Saddiq Bey (15.1 points) adds rebounding (5.7 per game). For double-double leaders, Holmgren ranks high league-wide, often grabbing 8+ rebounds.
Bench production often decides close games. OKC’s reserves average solid contributions, with Ajay Mitchell (14.2 points) emerging as a spark plug. In the November games, OKC’s bench outscored New Orleans’ 45-30 on average, thanks to efficient shooting (over 50%).
New Orleans’ bench struggles, ranking near the bottom in scoring (under 35 points per game). Players like Jordan Poole (inconsistent at 13+ points) and rookies like Derik Queen (7.6 rebounds, 4.3 assists) show promise but lack cohesion. Bench scoring okc thunder vs new orleans pelicans match player stats favor OKC heavily, often leading to blowouts.
Historical head-to-head stats for thunder and pelicans players reveal patterns. OKC leads 48-32 all-time, with a +4.3 point differential. Key matchups:
- Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Pelicans: 23.0 PPG, 54% FG.
- Williamson vs. Thunder: 23.2 PPG, but only 54.8% FG due to OKC’s interior defense.
- Holmgren vs. Williamson: In limited games, Holmgren’s blocks (2.0+) neutralize drives.
Season-long trends: OKC’s defensive rating (105.2) vs. New Orleans’ (120+). Field goal percentage defense: OKC allows 43%, Pelicans 48%. Playoff seeding implications are huge, OKC eyes No. 1, while New Orleans fights for lottery position.
| Statistic | OKC Thunder | NOP Pelicans |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 121.4 | 114.9 |
| Defensive Rating | 105.2 | 122.2 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 43.8 | 43.3 |
| Assists Per Game | 25.8 | 24.8 |
| Field Goal % | 49% | 46.5% |
| Three-Point % | 36.2% | 34.3% |
This table illustrates OKC’s efficiency edge.
For fantasy players, these matchups are goldmines. Gilgeous-Alexander’s multi-category stats (points, assists, steals) make him elite, especially against New Orleans’ weak perimeter (opponents shoot 34% from three). Williamson’s upside is high for points and rebounds, but OKC’s blocks could limit him. Holmgren offers blocks and rebounds, ranking among double-double leaders.
Bench options: Mitchell for steals (1.0+), Queen for rebounds. Fantasy basketball impact okc thunder vs new orleans pelicans match player stats suggest starting Thunder players confidently, while monitoring Pelicans for upside in blowouts.
Fans often overlook context. For instance, don’t ignore injuries: Williamson has missed games, impacting Pelicans’ output. Avoid over-relying on points alone, consider efficiency (OKC’s true shooting 60.4% vs. New Orleans’ 56.4%). Bettors, watch home/away splits: OKC is 20-2 at Paycom Center, Pelicans 3-17 on road.
You might wonder if Zion can turn it around. Here’s why it might: His paint scoring (over 60%) challenges OKC, but their blocks (top-3) counter it effectively.
The next clash on January 27, 2026, at Paycom Center could be pivotal. OKC favorites with +3 spread (per previews). Expect high energy, with Gilgeous-Alexander targeting mismatches and Williamson attacking the rim. If Pelicans improve defense (current 122.2 rating), it could be closer, but trends favor Thunder.
In summary, okc thunder vs new orleans pelicans match player stats paint OKC as the powerhouse, driven by stars like Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren.
Next Steps
- Check NBA box scores on ESPN for real-time updates.
- Analyze Western Conference standings on NBA.com.
- Join fantasy leagues focusing on double-double leaders.
What’s one prediction you’ll make for the January 27 game?
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What are the recent okc thunder vs new orleans pelicans match player stats?
In their last meeting on November 17, 2025, OKC won 126-109, with Holmgren scoring 26 points.
Who leads in individual player performance thunder vs pelicans?
Gilgeous-Alexander averages 31.8 PPG for OKC, while Williamson leads NOP at 22.5 PPG.
How does bench scoring impact okc thunder vs new orleans pelicans match player stats?
OKC’s bench outscores NOP’s by 10+ points on average, thanks to players like Mitchell.
What are the head-to-head stats for thunder and pelicans players?
OKC leads 48-32 all-time, with recent wins by double digits.
What’s the fantasy basketball impact okc thunder vs new orleans pelicans match player stats?
Prioritize OKC stars for consistent points; Williamson offers rebound upside but risks low efficiency.
How do defensive ratings compare?
OKC’s 105.2 leads the league; NOP’s 122.2 ranks near last.
What are playoff seeding implications?
A win solidifies OKC’s top spot; NOP needs miracles to climb from 15th.