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The Oklahoma City Thunder and New Orleans Pelicans meet in Game 3 of a best-of-7 Western Conference, 1st-round series Saturday. The Thunder lead the series 2-0. Tip-off from Smoothie King Center is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET (TNT). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Thunder vs. Pelicans odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
The top-seeded Thunder covered as 7.5-point favorites in a 124-92 win in Game 2 Wednesday with the Over (210) cashing in Oklahoma City.
G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a game-high 33 points for the Thunder, who have covered 5 of their last 6. F Chet Holmgren finished with 26 points and 7 rebounds, and F Jalen Williams added 21 points. New Orleans, which is the 8 seed, had no player score 20+ points.
Oklahoma City has won the past 4 meetings between these teams, going 3-1 against the spread (ATS), while the Under has hit in 5 of the last 8.
Thunder at Pelicans odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:15 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Thunder -120 (bet $120 to win $100) | Pelicans +100 (bet $100 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Thunder -1.5 (-105) | Pelicans +1.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 209.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Thunder at Pelicans key injuries
Thunder
- None
Pelicans
- F Zion Williamson (hamstring) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
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Thunder at Pelicans picks and predictions
Prediction
Thunder 104, Pelicans 103
Moneyline
The Pelicans are just 22-20 at home this season, compared to 28-15 on the road, so backing New Orleans at Smoothie King Center without its leading scorer in Williamson doesn’t fill me with confidence over the course of a full game.
However, the 1st half of Game 3 is usually a good spot for home teams that are down 2-0 in a series. We saw the Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Lakers both cash their 1st-half moneylines Thursday, and a veteran team like New Orleans should be able to bounce back as well.
BET PELICANS 1ST HALF (-145).
Against the spread
While I prefer laying -145 with the 1st-half ML, which also gives us the ability to push on a tie, the spread is low enough that the Pelicans will likely cover it if they’re leading after the 2nd quarter. If you’re uncomfortable risking $145 to win $100 on the 1st-half ML, then the spread may be your better option.
LEAN PELICANS 1ST HALF -1.5 (-110).
Over/Under
Betting the Under has been profitable in recent meetings between these teams. The Under has also gone 7-4 this season when New Orleans is a home underdog, as the added pressure from being outmatched seems to motivate the Pelicans on the defensive end.
BET UNDER 209.5 (-110).
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