New Orleans Pelicans vs Oklahoma City Thunder

The Paycom Center in Oklahoma City is set to host an intriguing early-season matchup as the New Orleans Pelicans visit the Thunder on Sunday, November 2, 2025. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Oklahoma City enters this game undefeated at home with a 6-0 record, while the Pelicans are still searching for their first win, making this an important test for both teams’ momentum and cohesion.

Injuries have forced both teams to adjust their lineups. Oklahoma City Thunder will be without Chet Holmgren due to a back issue, and Jalen Williams, Nikola Topic, and Kenrich Williams are also sidelined. These absences open the door for younger players and bench contributors to step into larger roles. New Orleans is facing similar challenges, with Dejounte Murray out due to a leg injury and Kevon Looney listed as questionable with a knee concern. The Pelicans will need their remaining starters and rotation players to carry significant responsibilities in scoring and defense.

Tactically, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault is expected to focus on fast-paced offense and aggressive transition play, taking advantage of the Pelicans’ weakened rotation. Oklahoma City plans to control the interior while pressuring New Orleans into mistakes and contested shots. Pelicans coach Willie Green will likely emphasize ball movement and spacing to create open looks, while focusing on limiting turnovers and maintaining defensive rebounding to prevent the Thunder from exploiting their speed. Both teams will need to adapt to the absence of key contributors.

Media coverage has highlighted the contrast between the two teams’ early-season form. Analysts point out that the Thunder’s unbeaten home record demonstrates depth and cohesion even with absences, whereas the Pelicans’ winless start raises questions about chemistry and consistency. Reports also note that this game could be a proving ground for New Orleans’ younger players and bench contributors, while Oklahoma City has a chance to make a statement by continuing its perfect start.

Studio analysts have debated whether the Pelicans can keep pace with the Thunder’s athleticism and transition game without their full roster. Many suggest that controlling tempo and minimizing mistakes will be crucial for New Orleans. Others highlight that Oklahoma City’s structured offense and disciplined defensive rotations give them the edge despite missing several players. The consensus is that execution, energy from the bench, and adaptability will determine the outcome more than any individual star performance.