Oklahoma City Thunder (58-25) vs New Orleans Pelicans (50-35)
Game Info: Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 9:30 pm (Paycom Center)
Betting Odds: Oklahoma City Thunder -1200 / New Orleans Pelicans +700 --- Over/Under: 213.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
The New Orleans Pelicans and Oklahoma City Thunder meet Wednesday in Game 2 West NBA Playoffs action at the Paycom Center. Here’s a New Orleans Pelicans vs Oklahoma City Thunder prediction.
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview
The New Orleans Pelicans look to even up the series at 1-1 before going back home. The New Orleans Pelicans are averaging 92 points on 38.5 percent shooting and allowing 94 points on 43.5 percent shooting. Trey Murphy III is averaging 21 points and 4 rebounds, while CJ McCollum is averaging 20 points and 3 rebounds. Jonas Valanciunas is the third double-digit scorer and Brandon Ingram is grabbing 6 rebounds. The New Orleans Pelicans are shooting 28.2 percent from beyond the arc and 77.8 percent from the free throw line. The New Orleans Pelicans are allowing 31.3 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 52 rebounds per game.
Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Preview
The Oklahoma City Thunder look for another win to take a quick 2-0 series lead. The Oklahoma City Thunder are averaging 94 points on 43.5 percent shooting and allowing 92 points on 38.5 percent shooting. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 28 points and 4 assists, while Jalen Williams is averaging 19 points and 7 rebounds. Chet Holmgren is the third double-digit scorer and Luguentz Dort is grabbing 4 rebounds. The Oklahoma City Thunder are shooting 31.3 percent from beyond the arc and 76.9 percent from the free throw line. The Oklahoma City Thunder are allowing 28.2 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 44 rebounds per game.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Oklahoma City Thunder Injury Report
The Oklahoma City Thunder don’t have a single player on their injury report heading into game 2. The Pelicans are still going to be without Zion Williamson, who has a banged up hamstring. However, there have been recent reports that Williamson could return at some point these playoffs. Of course, that would determine how long the Pelicans can extend this series to buy Williamson more time.
Oklahoma City Thunder Player Facts
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ranks 2nd amongst qualified players for steals per game (2.0) this season.
- Chet Holmgren rank 3rd amongst qualified players for steals + blocks per game (3.0) this season.
New Orleans Pelicans Player Facts
- C.J. McCollum ranks 3rd amongst qualified players for three-pointers made Per Game (3.6) this season.
- Herb Jones ranks 12th amongst qualified players for steals per game (1.4) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Thunder rank T1st in the league for steals per game this season (8.5).
- The Thunder rank T1st in the league for blocks per game this season (6.6).
- The Pelicans rank 1st in the league for H1 opponent points per game this season (54.1).
- The Pelicans rank 2nd in the league for opponent three-point percentage this season (34.9%).
New Orleans Pelicans vs Oklahoma City Thunder prediction
I mentioned in my game 1 write up that people are sleeping on the New Orleans Pelicans, and they probably should have a 1-0 series lead. The Pelicans played good defense, dominated the paint and nearly won the game despite Brandon Ingram not playing well. Valanciunas gives Holmgren a world of trouble because he's much bigger, and you'd expect CJ and Ingram to be more efficient and aggressive on the offensive side. The Oklahoma City Thunder are an extremely young team, and they found themselves going through the motions in game 1. A little jitters? OKC is probably more comfortable with a game under its belt, but the Pelicans can make a series of this. This line is disrespectful. Give me the Pelicans and the points.
Randy’s Pick New Orleans Pelicans +7.5
AUTHOR: Randy Chambers
