Round 1 Preview Oklahoma City Thunder Vs New Orleans Pelicans

 

The New Orleans Pelicans take on the Oklahoma City Thunder, the 8 vs 1 seed that while in the standings may look a bit lopsided I think in actuality could be much closer than you would think. The Thunder led by their quiet simming GM, don’t have much to say and leave most of their words for on the court and on the court they were talking! Finishing with the best record in the league whilst moving in and out multiple stars leading to them having the best guard combo in the league with explosive scoring power and solid defence on the other side of the ball. The New Orleans Pelicans are led by one of the unsung heroes of the NSL in GM Leeroy. They have one of the best and brightest stars in the league, the force that is Luka Doncic and have one of the best defensive anchors of the last decade in Rudy Gobert to protect the rim and gobble up the boards. Ant vs Luka is a mouth watering match up for viewers to see as well as the veteran stars in Curry with his shooting and Gobert with his paint protection, there's something for everyone.

 

The Head to Head Match Ups

 

PG: Luka Doncic vs Steph Curry

 

The old superstar vs the star of the day at point guard is the most exciting match of the series and possibly of the entire playoffs! These players' games are known inside and out with Steph Curry being the best shooter the league has ever seen, spot ups, off screens or off the dribble it doesn't matter. He is going to torch the twine no matter what sort of the jumpshot he is going to shoot. On the counterpart is a player while also is a good shooter is more of a heliocentric player that the whole pelicans revolve around. This team will only go as far as Luka will take them.

 

Position Winner: Luka Doncic by a slim margin.

 

SG: Benedict Mathurin vs Alex Caruso

 

Another match up where the younger player is matching up vs an extremely skilled veteran.The bald eagle Caruso is one of the best defensive guards in the league still with a combination of size, athleticism and just defensive knowledge you don’t get many players that are as disruptive and have as much effect on the game as you do with Alex Caruso. Mathurin is a player that has been in the league a few years now but is yet to truly make his mark on the league. An athletic shooter/shot creator with defensive upside, on paper he is the perfect two guard. Now the shooting has come around while still a bit of a project on the defensive end and on the creation side.

 

 

Position Winner: Alex Caruso

 

SF: Anthony Edwards vs Deandre Hunter

 

The other big star on the Oklahoma City Thunder and star of the NBA and the NSL, Edwards can do it all on the court that can seem unfair at times. An eerie resemblance to Michael Jordan, Ant plays and can be a player that comes close to the play of the GOAT. High flying athleticism with shooting skill and defensive presence Ant is only 23 and can do it all. Hunter has the size advantage over Edwards but that's where the advantages end as Hunter is a defensive minded, athletic player that is going to have his hands very full trying to contain Edwards.

 

Position Winner: Anthony Edwards

 

PF: Adem Bona vs Aaron Gordon

 

Two power forwards that play like different positions in similar bodies with Adem Bona at the 4 but plays like a center and Aaron Gordon being a 4 that plays more like a wing. Bona is the unheralded rookie that could be a starter in the league for a long time but might not be up to the bright lights just yet. Aaron Gordon is a jack of all trades athletic forward that may not live up to the hype of his draft selection but he's still a very good player. Can guard the other team's best player then finish plays in ways others just can’t.

 

Position Winner: Flash Gordon

 

C: Rudy Gobert vs Deandre Ayton

 

Gobert has been one of the better defensive big men of the past decade and is on the backend of his career. Still a formidable force that is probably slightly overpaid, will be a 2k darling until the day he retires. The wingspan he has boggles the mind which he uses to great effect to block shots and grab rebounds. Not the best hands in the world and does his best work within 3 feet of the basket he is a force to be reckoned with. Ayton is a player that has all the tools but has only ever put them in glimpses of an all together dominant centre. Still a great addition in 2k this will be the closest battle of the the positions in my opinion and will be exciting to see how it works out.

 

Position Winner: Rudy Gobert by a few inches (like his wingspan)

 

 

People off the Pine:

 

Both teams don’t have the deepest benches in the league with the Pelicans with the most x factor player on the bench in Russell Westbrook. On the right night can still explode and change the game in either team's favor but he has the most big name presence. Grimes for Thunder probably won’t see the bench for much longer after this season with his NBA talents still far exceeding his 2k talents but may be fixed in the off season.

 

Position Win: New Orleans Pelicans

 

Prediction:

 

This series will be much closer than the standings would lead you to believe with Luka possibly being the best player in the series but the Thunder the stronger side throughout. If the outside shots are falling for the Thunder they will be unstoppable but if its low scoring I can see it going the pels way.

 

All the best to both GMs and cant wait for this series!