The New Orleans Pelicans will visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday, November 2nd, at 3:30 PM ET with several roster concerns. New Orleans is still searching for its first win of the season, sitting at 0-5, while the Thunder remain undefeated at 6-0.
Pelicans guard Trey Alexander and center Hunter Dickinson are out due to G League two-way assignments. Veteran Dejounte Murray will miss the game with a right Achilles rupture, while Kevon Looney is listed as questionable with a left knee sprain.
For New Orleans, Zion Williamson continues to lead the team, averaging 23.5 points, 6.3 assists, and 6.3 rebounds over four games this season. Jordan Poole has also been a consistent scorer, contributing 19.8 points per game.
The Thunder will be without Chet Holmgren due to a low back sprain, along with guards Thomas Sorber and Jalen Williams, both recovering from surgery. Forward Kenrich Williams and center Nikola Topic are also sidelined while undergoing surgical recovery.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains the focal point for Oklahoma City, averaging 34.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game. Isaiah Hartenstein has been strong on the boards, averaging 10.5 rebounds per contest, while Luguentz Dort adds defensive energy and scoring.
Both teams will need contributions from their benches to compensate for the absences. The Pelicans’ second-unit, led by Trey Murphy III and Jeremiah Fears, has been pivotal in keeping games close despite the 0-5 start. Oklahoma City’s reserves, including Aaron Wiggins and Alex Caruso, will be asked to step up as the team navigates injuries.
Sunday’s game will also test the Pelicans’ resilience on the road after losses to Memphis, San Antonio, Boston, Denver, and L.A. Clippers. The Thunder, by contrast, have been flawless at home, winning all three games at Paycom Center this season.
