

Broadcast Information

Tip-off: 7:00 p.m. CT

7:00 p.m. CT Television: Fox Sports Oklahoma

Fox Sports Oklahoma Radio: WWLS the Sports Animal and the Thunder Radio Network

NEW ORLEANS – There’s light at the end of the tunnel on this six-game road trip, with that glimmer coming from the Thunder’s impending home game against the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night. But first, it has to square off one more time away from Chesapeake Energy Arena on this road swing in a battle with the New Orleans Pelicans.

Coming off of a thrilling win in Utah against the Jazz, the Thunder rolls into New Orleans with a day in between games to get ready for the Pelicans, who just defeated the defending NBA Champions, the Cleveland Cavaliers, on Monday night. It was a grind-out contest in Salt Lake City against one of the league’s best defenses and most patient offenses, but the Thunder turns around tonight to face an up-tempo squad that wants to score in the first seven seconds of a shot clock. On the flip side, the Thunder should be able to do more damage inside the paint than they did in Utah.

“They’re a team that can be really explosive,” Head Coach Billy Donovan said of the Pelicans. “They hit you very quickly with some quick action and they’re looking to attack and score. It’s totally different. That’s the great challenge of coming off the Utah win.”

“They’re a good transition team,” center Enes Kanter said. “We have to do a good job after we take a shot of getting back on defense.”

Even without Anthony Davis, the Pelicans showed they can be a competitive and dangerous team, but tonight Davis is expected to play, adding an All-Star to a group that was beginning to come together anyway.

Davis provides one of the most challenging matchup problems in the league. He’s nearly seven feet tall, can put the ball on the floor, shoot three-pointers, finish lobs way above the rim and score on both low post ups and deeper face ups. On the other end of the floor, Davis’ length, motor and second-leap ability make him a premier shot blocker.

“We did a good scouting report on everybody,” Kanter said. “We don’t just worry about one player, we worry about us. Obviously (Davis) is a good player of course, but the only thing we can do is worry about us.”

Surrounding Davis, New Orleans has other dangerous playmakers and scorers. The Thunder will have to also deal with Terrence Jones, who had a magnificent game against the Cavaliers, and the Pelicans’ point guard, Jrue Holiday.

“They have a lot of flexibility. They can play small. They can play big,” Donovan said. “They’re really good off the dribble and taking threes. Holiday is very crafty and they’re a team that is very talented and gifted, and is playing well.”

It's a Wednesday, and it's game day! If you're in Oklahoma, use code PAPATHUNDER @ https://t.co/bc5D1KA69Z to get half off your pizza order. pic.twitter.com/OSl3nPLzOi — OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) January 25, 2017