Thunder vs. Pelicans: Point spread, betting odds, prediction

See betting odds and the point spread for the Oklahoma City Thunder and New Orleans Pelicans game on New Year’s Eve.

The Oklahoma City Thunder play the New Orleans Pelicans and if you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research, you’re in luck! We’ll give you the latest point spread, moneyline odds and over-under number, as well as the information you’ll need to make the smartest bet on BetMGM.

The game tips off at 7 p.m. and can be seen on FOX Sports Oklahoma.

The Thunder are 1-2 on the season after falling to the Orlando Magic. They have been competitive in all three games this year, and missing Al Horford on Tuesday cost them against Orlando. They should get him back in the lineup, though George Hill’s status is unclear after he was ruled out of Tuesday’s game that afternoon due to neck spams.

New Orleans (2-2) is coming off a 25-point loss to the Phoenix Suns in which they trailed by as many as 40 points. In Steven Adams’ return to Oklahoma City, the Pelicans will look to make up for that defeat.

Betting lines updated on BetMGM after publication may not be reflected in this report. Confirm on the casino website before placing a bet.

The lines, courtesy of BetMGM

  • Point spread: Thunder +5.5
  • Moneyline: Thunder +180 / Pelicans -225
  • Over-under: 215.5

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How to watch: Thunder vs. Pelicans

Advice and prediction

I’m never confident in betting against a good team after a whopper of a loss, and if the Pelicans truly are a good team — which I think they are — I’d expect them to come out with extra intensity after the poor showing against the Suns. Oklahoma City has looked better than expected in its first three games, but I don’t love the spread with New Orleans coming in with fire and something to prove.

With that said — the Pelicans’ offense hasn’t been good this year. They’ve only broken 100 points once in four games. They scored 98 against the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs before scoring just 86 against the Suns. Oklahoma City’s defense has been strong over its first three games, and with Horford back, it should be better than it was against the Magic.

These odds aren’t great. I think the Pelicans will bounce back and I’d take the over, but I’m not doing it with great gusto.

Prediction: Pelicans 112, Thunder 106

Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.

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