New Orleans Pelicans vs. Oklahoma City Thunder odds predictions pick betting line spread

New Orleans Pelicans at Oklahoma City Thunder odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s New Orleans Pelicans at Oklahoma City Thunder odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The New Orleans Pelicans (3-8) and Oklahoma City Thunder (9-2) meet Wednesday at Paycom Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Pelicans vs. Thunder odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: First meeting; Thunder won 2-1 in 2023-24 regular season and swept 4-0 in first round of playoffs

The Pelicans have been terrible with a 3-8 record to start the season, so this playoff rematch has lost a little luster.

This game lost even more steam when Pelicans F Zion Williamson went on the shelf earlier this week due to a hamstring injury which could cost him 4 to 6 weeks. G Jose Alvarado, who started the last 7 games, suffered a hamstring injury during Monday’s 107-105 home loss to the Brooklyn Nets. He is expected to be sidelined for several weeks.

Monday’s loss — as 1.5-point underdogs — was the Pelicans’ 5th in a row and 8th in the last 9. New Orleans is also 1-9 against the spread (ATS) in the previous 10 contests.

OKC isn’t without injury issues as C Chet Holmgren suffered a fractured hip in a 127-116 home loss to Golden State Sunday. The former Gonzaga star will be sidelined indefinitely.

Without Holmgren, the Thunder struck for a 134-128 win Monday over the visiting LA Clippers last time out, pushing as 6-point favorites, while the Over (219) hit for the 4th consecutive time for the Thunder. F Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scorched the Clips for 45 points and 9 assists while hitting 4 triples.

OKC is just 1-2-1 ATS in the past 4 games, but 7-3-1 through its 11 games this season.

Pelicans at Thunder odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NBA odds. Lines last updated at 6:21 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Pelicans +725 (bet $100 to win $725) | Thunder -1200 (bet $1,200 to win $100)
Against the spread: Pelicans +14.5 (-110) | Thunder -14.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 221.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Pelicans at Thunder key injuries

Pelicans

G Jose Alvarado (hamstring) out
G/F Jordan Hawkins (back) out
F Herbert Jones (shoulder) out
G CJ McCollum (adductor) out
G Dejounte Murray (hand) out
F Zion Williamson (hamstring) out

Thunder

C Isaiah Hartenstein (hand) out
C Chet Holmgren (hip) out

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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Pelicans at Thunder picks and predictions

Prediction

Thunder 126, Pelicans 102

Moneyline

The Thunder (-1200) were fine without Holmgren against the Clippers, and they should be fine against the injured-decimated Pelicans (+725), too. However, it’s not wise to risk 12 times the potential return on a standalone wager or as a part of a multi-leg parlay. There is just no value in that.

AVOID.

Against the spread

BACK OKLAHOMA CITY -14.5 (-110) to cash at home, even though this is a big number.

OKC is missing a big piece (Holmgren) in the middle, but so is NOLA. That’s a bit of a wash. The Thunder still have the electric SGA, while the Pellies do not have a dynamic scorer to take over the game.

Over/Under

OVER 221.5 (-110) is worth playing lightly, but don’t get carried away.

The Over has cashed in 4 consecutive Thunder games, with the offense going for 116 or more points, while allowing 124 or more points in 3 of those outings.

The Pelicans have had problems scoring, but opponents are receiving very little resistance from them. New Orleans has allowed 115 or more points in 5 of the past 6 outings.

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New Orleans Pelicans at Oklahoma City Thunder Game 2 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s New Orleans Pelicans at Oklahoma City Thunder odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The New Orleans Pelicans and Oklahoma City Thunder meet in Game 2 of a best-of-7 Western Conference, 1st-round series Wednesday. The Thunder lead the series 1-0. Tip-off from Paycom Center is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET (TNT). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Pelicans vs. Thunder odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

The 8th-seeded Pelicans covered as 8.5-point underdogs in Game 1, but the host Thunder came away with the 94-92 victory Sunday as the Under (216.5) hit.

G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a game-high 28 points for the top-seeded Thunder, who snapped a 4-game against-the-spread (ATS) winning streak. Gilgeous-Alexander scored the go-ahead bucket with 32 seconds remaining, handing New Orleans its 3rd loss in its last 4 games.

Oklahoma City is 3-0 straight up and 2-1 ATS vs. New Orleans in the last 3 head-to-head meetings, and the Under has hit in 6 of the last 9.

Pelicans at Thunder odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 4:47 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Pelicans +260 (bet $100 to win $260) | Thunder -350 (bet $350 to win $100)
Against the spread: Pelicans +7.5 (-110) | Thunder -7.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 211.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Pelicans at Thunder key injuries

Pelicans

F Zion Williamson (hamstring) out

Thunder

None

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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Pelicans at Thunder picks and predictions

Prediction

Thunder 106, Pelicans 103

Moneyline

The Thunder (-350) are 34-8 at Paycom Center this season after Sunday’s win, good for the 3rd-best home record in the NBA. The Pelicans, even if they have a lead, will most likely struggle to close this game out without their leading scorer in Williamson (22.9 points per game).

However, it’s a losing proposition long term to bet -350 favorites in the NBA.

PASS. Bet the spread and/or total instead.

Against the spread

The Thunder are among the weaker No. 1 seeds in recent memory, due to their lack of playoff experience. Typically, the No. 1 seed in the better conference wouldn’t be +1400 at BetMGM Sportsbook to win the NBA Finals. The Thunder avoided the upset in Game 1, but they haven’t been downgraded enough for their performance.

The Pelicans have veterans like G CJ McCollum and C Jonas Valanciunas, who have made postseason runs with the Portland Trail Blazers and Toronto Raptors, respectively. Give me the veterans catching 7.5 points against the youngest No. 1 seed in NBA history — the average age on the Thunder is 23.4 years old.

BET PELICANS +7.5 (-110).

Over/Under

The Under has been cashing regularly in Pelicans-Thunder matchups, and Game 1 was no exception. These teams play each other tight, and without Williamson on the floor, I expect Game 2 to unfold in a similar fashion to Sunday night’s low-scoring affair.

BET UNDER 211.5 (-110).

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New Orleans Pelicans at Oklahoma City Thunder Game 1 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s New Orleans Pelicans at Oklahoma City Thunder odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The New Orleans Pelicans and Oklahoma City Thunder meet in Game 1 of a best-of-7 Western Conference 1st-round series Sunday. Tip from Paycom Center is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET (TNT). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Pelicans vs. Thunder odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

Season series: Thunder lead 2-1

New Orleans snapped a 2-game losing streak with a 105-98 win over the Sacramento Kings in a Western Conference play-in game Friday while covering as a 1.5-point home favorite. F Brandon Ingram scored a team-high 24 points, while C Jonas Valanciunas (19 points and 12 rebounds) had a double-double. The Pelicans shot 51.8% from the field in the win.

The Thunder ended their regular season on a 5-game winning streak after knocking off the Dallas Mavericks 135-86 Sunday and covering as 19.5-point favorites. G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a team-high 15 points, and 7 Thunder players scored in double figures. Oklahoma City shot 55.7% from the field in the win.

Pelicans at Thunder odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:54 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Pelicans +280 (bet $100 to win $280) | Thunder -350 (bet $350 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Pelicans +8.5 (-115) | Thunder -8.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 215.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Pelicans at Thunder key injuries

Pelicans

F Zion Williamson (hamstring) out

Thunder

None

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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Pelicans at Thunder picks and predictions

Prediction

Thunder 114, Pelicans 102

Moneyline

PASS.

There is no value on the Thunder (-350), who are 33-8 at home this season.

Against the spread

BET THUNDER -8.5 (-105).

The Pelicans are without Williamson, who leads the team with 22.9 points per game.

They face a Thunder squad that has covered in 4 games in a row, including 3 straight as favorites of 14 or more points. OKC has covered in its last 5 games at home and scored 125 or more in each of its last 3.

Over/Under

BET OVER 215.5 (-110).

The Pelicans are 5-4-1 O/U in their last 10 games. They have scored 106 or more points in 9 of their last 10 games and 110 or more in 4 of their last 7.

The Thunder have hit the Over in 6 of their last 10 games and scored 121 or more points in 4 of their last 5. They have scored 112 or more points in 8 of their last 10 games.

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New Orleans Pelicans at Oklahoma City Thunder odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s New Orleans Pelicans at Oklahoma City Thunder odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The New Orleans Pelicans (2-1) and Oklahoma City Thunder (3-1) meet Wednesday at Paycom Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Pelicans vs. Thunder odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

Season series: First meeting; New Orleans won 3-2 last season (including play-in game)

The Pelicans failed to cover the spread as 2.5-point home favorites Monday in a 130-102 loss vs. the Golden State Warriors as the Over (221.5) hit. G Brandon Ingram (knee) was a late scratch and is questionable to return Wednesday.

The Thunder covered as 6.5-point home favorites with a 124-112 win vs. the Detroit Pistons on Monday as the Over (225) cashed. G Shai-Gilgeous Alexander scored a game-high 32 points as Oklahoma City bounced back from a 128-95 home loss vs. the Denver Nuggets on Sunday.

Including the play-in, OKC was 3-2 ATS vs. New Orleans last season, and the Under went 3-2.

Pelicans at Thunder odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:33 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Pelicans +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Thunder -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Pelicans +3.5 (-110) | Thunder -3.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 225.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Pelicans at Thunder key injuries

Pelicans

G Jose Alvarado (ankle) out
G Brandon Ingram (knee) questionable
F Trey Murphy III (knee) out

Thunder

C Jaylin Williams (hamstring) out

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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Pelicans at Thunder picks and predictions

Prediction

Thunder 113, Pelicans 109

Moneyline

The only loss for the THUNDER (-155) this season was against the defending NBA champions. Oklahoma City opened the season with back-to-back straight up wins as an underdog and showed resilience by bouncing back after losing to the Nuggets.

The Pelicans were blown out last time out by the shorthanded Warriors and may not be able to compete against good teams unless Ingram is 100% healthy.

BET THUNDER (-155).

Against the spread

This is right where I would set the line.

PASS. Bet the moneyline and/or the total instead.

Over/Under

The Under has hit in 2 of the last 3 games for both of these teams. The Pelicans are 8th in defensive efficiency this season and should bounce back on defense after giving up 130 points last time out to a shorthanded Warriors team.

BET UNDER 225.5 (-110).

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New Orleans Pelicans at Oklahoma City Thunder odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s New Orleans Pelicans at Oklahoma City Thunder odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The New Orleans Pelicans (29-28) and Oklahoma City Thunder (27-28) meet Monday at Paycom Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Pelicans vs. Thunder odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

The Pelicans failed to cover the spread as 3-point home underdogs Friday in a 118-107 loss vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers. F Brandon Ingram scored a team-high 25 points as New Orleans’ 3-game win streak came to an end. The Pelicans are 6-2 against the spread (ATS) in their last 8 games vs. teams with a losing record.

The Thunder covered as 2.5-point underdogs Friday with a 138-129 win at the Portland Trail Blazers. G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tied his career-high with 44 points for the Thunder, who have won 3 of their last 4 games. Oklahoma City is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games after a win.

This is their 3rd meeting this season. Oklahoma City covered as a 5.5-point road underdog in a 105-101 loss Nov. 28 and New Orleans covered as a 2-point road underdog in a 128-125 overtime win Dec. 23.

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Pelicans at Thunder odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:23 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Pelicans +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Thunder -135 (bet $135 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Pelicans +2.5 (-110) | Thunder -2.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 236.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Pelicans at Thunder key injuries

Pelicans

F Dyson Daniels (ankle) out
CJ McCollum (ankle) questionable
F Zion Williamson (hamstring) out

Thunder

None

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

Pelicans at Thunder picks and predictions

Prediction

Pelicans 125, Thunder 116

Moneyline

BET PELICANS (+115).

The Pelicans have won 3 of 4 games after a 10-game skid from Jan.16-Feb.2 and should be able to dominate on the boards vs. an Oklahoma City team that is 29th in defensive rebounding. The Thunder had to erase a 9-point 4th-quarter deficit to pull off the upset at Portland and may be due for a letdown after ending the game on a 35-17 run. The market has upgraded Oklahoma City since it is the No. 1 ATS team in the league, but New Orleans has a better chance at winning this game than the line suggests.

Against the spread

PASS.

There is no need to buy the 2.5 points on the Pelicans when New Orleans should win straight up. Bet the moneyline and/or total instead.

Over/Under

BET OVER 235.5 (-110).

The Over is 5-2 in New Orleans’ last 7 games and 15-5 in the Pelicans’ last 20 after failing to cover in their previous contest. The Over has hit in Oklahoma City’s last 4 games and is 6-2 in the Thunder’s last 8 at home.

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New Orleans Pelicans at Oklahoma City Thunder odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s New Orleans Pelicans at Oklahoma City Thunder odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The New Orleans Pelicans (8-21) travel to Paycom Center Wednesday to take on the Oklahoma City Thunder (8-18). Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Pelicans at Thunder odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

The Thunder have lost 3 of their last 5, two of which were by more than 20. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the way, OKC has struggled for large chunks of the season.

They are, however, 15-11 against the spread given they’re consistently double-digit underdogs. They’re 6-5 as home underdogs.

As for New Orleans, it has been far more competitive since the return of Brandon Ingram. Ingram is averaging 24.7 points per game over his last 10 and has scored in double figures in all but one game he’s played in.

New Orleans is just 12-17 ATS and 0-1 as road favorites.

Pelicans at Thunder odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:50 p.m. ET.

Money line: Pelicans -190 (bet $190 to win $100) | Thunder +155 (bet $100 to win $155)
Against the spread (ATS): Pelicans -4.5 (-112) | Thunder +4.5 (-108)
Over/Under (O/U): 212.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)

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Pelicans at Thunder key injuries

Pelicans

None

Thunder

G Lugentz Dort (ankle) out

Pelicans at Thunder odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Pelicans 107, Thunder 103

Money line

PASS on the money line.

While I like New Orleans to win, at -190, it’s not worth it. OKC has played better at home and certainly isn’t that much worse than the Pelicans – who heavily rely on Ingram.

Against the spread

“LEAN” to the PELICANS -4.5 (-112) as New Orleans is one of the best defensive rebounding teams in the Association.

Couple that with the fact that OKC has the league’s worst true shooting percentage and will be without a starting guard, and I’d side with the healthier side that’ll have the best player on the court.

Also, over their last 5, the Pelicans rank in the top half of the league in net rating while the Thunder are dead last. New Orleans, behind the play of Ingram, are a quality opponent on both ends of the court.

Combine it all, and I’d side with the Pelicans in this one.

Over/Under

“LEAN” to the UNDER 212.5 (-115) as both teams have been consistently struggled to score.

The Pelicans and Thunder are among the league’s worst teams when it comes to hitting the Over. The Thunder are just 10-16 while the Pelicans are 11-18, so both teams have been far from profitable for Over bettors.

The majority of the cash and tickets are on the Over – yet it has only moved half a point. Sportsbooks seem to like their position or this line would’ve moved more than just half a point from the open.

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