Watch Oklahoma City Thunder @ New Orleans Pelicans live on Sky Sports Arena and Sky Sports Mix in the early hours of Friday morning (1am)
Friday 15 February 2019 04:37, UK
The Oklahoma City Thunder go in search of a fifth straight win when they face the Pelicans in New Orleans, live on Sky Sports Arena and Sky Sports Mix in the early hours of Friday morning.
The Thunder (37-19) are on a roll - they have won nine of their last 10 games, including their last four in a row.
Paul George has been playing on another level lately, averaging 37.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 2.5 steals over his last 10 games.
George has topped 45 points in his last two games, including coming up with many clutch plays to help secure wins.
Russell Westbrook, despite enduring a shooting slump, is still having an impact on games, averaging a triple-double with 21.2 points, 11.2 assists, 11.1 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game this season.
The Thunder have won two of their last three games on the road and are 17-12 on the road this season. They score an average of 115.3 points per game, which is fifth best in the league, while they force opponents into a league-high average of 16.8 turnovers per game.
The Pelicans (25-33) have dropped seven of their last 10 games, including their last two in a row. Anthony Davis has been reinserted into the line-up, after missing time with an injury, and also due to the drama around a potential trade.
Davis had an awful showing in his most recent outing, with just three points on 1-of-9 shooting in 24 minutes.
The Pelicans would need a spectacular run to make a push for a playoff spot, as they are currently six games out of eighth, holding the 13th spot in the West.
Jrue Holiday has played well all season, averaging 20.9 points, 8.0 assists, 5.1 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game, while Julius Randle is averaging 19.9 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game.
Westbrook enters this game looking for an 11th consecutive triple-double but could have his hands full with Holiday, an All-Star in his own right who will impact the game on offense and defense.
Holiday, who averages 20.9 points and 8.0 assists this season, possesses the same intensity and relentlessness that defines Westbrook's game.
Their point guard match-up promises to be a real treat.
12.1 - That's the average number of offensive rebounds the Thunder pull down per game, the highest total in the NBA this season.
That figure illustrates the rugged determination of center Steven Adams and Westbrook to keep possessions alive, as well as the length and athleticism of Terrance Ferguson, Nerlens Noel and Jerami Grant which allows them to do the same.
Schroder's status for the game is uncertain after he missed practice to attend the birth of his child. If he plays, expect instant offense when he comes off the bench.
Schroder is averaging 15.7 points this season and is a threat on drives to the basket and from the three-point line. His contributions have eased the offensive burden on Westbrook and George and allowed both stars to get vital rest during games without fearing the Thunder's scoring will suffer.
Randle has had a productive first season in New Orleans after moving from the Los Angeles Lakers in the summer. Behind Davis, he is a legitimate second scoring option as evidenced by his 29 20-plus-point games so far.
Randle is adept on the boards too, averaging 9.1 rebounds per game, though he may have his hands full against Thunder center Adams in this encounter.
