What happened: The Oklahoma City Thunder will start Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein for Monday's game. This lineup features the team's core rotation all healthy and available. Holmgren returns after recent questionable tags with hip soreness.
Why it matters: The Holmgren-Hartenstein frontcourt tandem provides elite rim protection and rebounding, key for Thunder's No. 1 seed chase in the West. Historically, this lineup has held opponents under 100 points in recent outings.
By the numbers: OKC standings: 52-22 (1st West); Game vs. Pelicans (OKC -8.5, 20, line tightened 1 pt post-announcement); Holmgren injury: Hip (questionable last 2 games, 85% availability rate); Head-to-head vs NOP: OKC 3-1 this season, avg margin +12.
What to watch: Watch Holmgren minutes load management and SGA usage rate early; monitor Pelicans injury report for Zion Williamson.