The Oklahoma City Thunder will face the New Orleans Pelicans in their first-round series. This comes after the Pelicans’ 105-98 win over the Sacramento Kings in the play-in tournament to earn the eighth seed on Friday.
Brandon Ingram had 24 points on 10-of-20 shooting, six rebounds and six assists. Trey Murphy III totaled 16 points on 6-of-12 shooting and eight rebounds. Jonas Valanciunas tallied 19 points and 12 rebounds.
The first-seeded Thunder look to collect their first playoff series win since 2016. This is the first of presumably several playoff trips for the trio of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren.
The Pelicans will likely be without Zion Williamson for most of the first round as he recovers from a hamstring strain. Ingram has looked hobbled at times since his return from a bruised knee.
In their season series, the Thunder won two of the three matchups. OKC’s loss included a blown 22-point lead. Game 1 will be on Sunday. The full series schedule can be read here.
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