Top 5 Pelicans-Thunder matchups that will determine playoff series

The New Orleans Pelicans (49-33) and Oklahoma City Thunder (57-25) will forever be linked thanks to the 405 hosting the team from the 504 during Hurricane Katrina. The two small market franchises are on a similar championship-building timeline in 2024 with young rosters full of homegrown talent. Both teams are trying to take the next step in their development but are now butting heads on that path regularly.

The Pelicans and Thunder met in the NBA Play-In Tournament last season, but they get to face off in a first-round series. That step up in competitive level brings a spotlight and pressure that can make or break an organization. The Pelicans will rely heavily on a deep bench to turn the tides but the Thunder have options as well. Still, five matchups in particular stand out when it comes to scouting in-game adjustments.

Willie Green vs. Mark Daigneault

Coaching adjustments are amplified in the NBA Playoffs. Say what you will about sneaking in as the eighth seed, the NBA Playoffs experience is invaluable for up-and-comers. That goes for coaching evaluations as well.

Willie Green’s defensive-minded Pelicans are leaning on role players as the underdog. The postseason platform is perfect for Trey Murphy III, Naji Marshall, or Jose Alvarado to have a breakout series. The same goes for Valanciunas, if Green uses the seven-foot large Lithuanian.

Mark Daigneault was just named NBCA Coach of the Year. The Pelicans extended Green’s deal last spring. Still, both front offices need larger sample sizes in the NBA Playoffs pressure cooker before making big decisions this summer. It’s up to the coaches to make the proper adjustments so the front offices have the data to come to the correct conclusions.

Recent draftees looking to make bank deposits

Trey Murphy III simply has to be a more effective, more productive player than Josh Giddey to secure a max-level rookie contract extension this summer. Anything less gives the front office some negotiating wiggle room. Giddey has been playing some of the best basketball of his career recently. Murphy III is still a hit-or-miss proposition during what has been an up-and-down year delayed by knee surgery.

Murphy (14.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists) has to hit more three-pointers at a better average for starters. Giddey (12.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 6.4 assists) is hitting only 33.7% from beyond the arc this season but is up to 40% over the last 15 games.

Giddey is more of a playmaker, Murphy III is a play finisher. They’ll be switched on to each other often in the starting units. Whoever plays better in this series will get the more financially lucrative contract this summer. It’s likely their team plays in the second round too.

Respected veteran vs. heralded rookie

Jonas Valanciunas versus Chet Holmgren tilt takes top billing in the paint battle now that Zion Williamson has been ruled out. Valanciunas (12.2 points, 8.8 rebounds) is a double-double machine going into his 55th NBA Playoffs appearance. Holmgren (16.5 points, 7.9 rebounds), who would be the Rookie of the Year if not for Victor Wembanyama, is making his first postseason appearance since playing at Gonzaga.

Valanciunas can drag Holmgren out of the paint on offense. The Pelicans cannot let Valanciunas get schemed away from the rim on defense. He also cannot get caught flatfooted on closeouts. Holmgren is too quick and the Thunder have too many options for the help defense to recover.