OKC Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans predicted starting lineups and depth chart for Dec. 7 | 2024-25 NBA season

Two teams dealing with early-season injury troubles clash in Saturday’s OKC Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans matchup at 7 p.m. at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.

Despite battling injuries, the Thunder have secured the best record in the Western Conference, only losing five of their first 22 games. Meanwhile, the Pelicans have only notched five wins all season.

Here’s a breakdown of the expected lineups and injury updates ahead of Friday’s OKC Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans matchup.

OKC Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans injury reports

OKC Thunder

The Thunder have faced challenges in their frontcourt all season and will continue to operate with a depleted center rotation on Saturday. Key absences include Chet Holmgren (right iliac wing fracture) and Jaylin Williams (right hamstring strain).

Forwards Ousmane Dieng (right ring finger fracture) and Dillon Jones (G League) are also sidelined, along with Alex Ducas (G League) and guard Nikola Topic (left knee surgery).

Still, the Thunder are bolstered by November Player of the Month Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, alongside Jalen Williams and center Isaiah Hartenstein, who have delivered consistent performances regardless of their supporting cast.

New Orleans Pelicans

The Pelicans list centers Karlo Matkovic (low back soreness) and Daniel Theis (neck spasm) as questionable for Saturday’s game. Meanwhile, Jose Alvarado (left hamstring strain), Jordan Hawkins (lumbar spine annular fissure) and Zion Williamson (left hamstring strain) will remain out.

On the bright side, Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum, Herb Jones and Brandon Ingram are not listed on the injury report.

OKC Thunder starting lineup and depth chart

Expect the Thunder to start Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Aaron Wiggins, Lugentz Dort, Jalen Williams and Isaiah Hartenstein. Below is the Thunder's depth chart.

	Starter	2nd	3rd
PG	Shai Gilgeous-Alexander	Ajay Mitchell
SG	Aaron Wiggins	Isaiah Joe	Cason Wallace
SF	Luguentz Dort	Alex Caruso
PF	Jalen Williams	Aaron Wiggins
C	Isaiah Hartenstein	Kenrich Williams	Branden Carlson

New Orleans Pelicans starting lineup and depth chart

Expect the Pelicans to start Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum, Herb Jones, Brandon Ingram and Yves Missi. Below is the Pelicans' depth chart.

	Starter	2nd	3rd
PG	Dejounte Murray
SG	CJ McCollum	Brandon Boston Jr.
SF	Brandon Ingram	Trey Murphy III
PF	Herbert Jones	Javonte Green
C	Yves Missi	Jeremiah Robinson-Earl	Trey Jemison III

How to watch OKC Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans

The game is set to tip off at 7 p.m. EST at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. Local coverage will be available on FanDuel Sports Network Oklahoma and Gulf Coast Sports in New Orleans.

Fans can also stream the game on NBA League Pass or FuboTV, both of which require a subscription.