New Orleans Pelicans vs
Oklahoma City ThunderPredictions & Preview

Oklahoma City Thunder Favored to Win Against the New Orleans Pelicans in Wednesday Night Showdown

The Oklahoma City Thunder will face the New Orleans Pelicans in a matchup on Wednesday evening, with a scheduled tipoff time of 7:30 PM Eastern. The Thunder previously eliminated the Pelicans from the postseason last year. Currently, Oklahoma City is favored to win with a betting line opening at -14, which has not shifted since opening.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Pelicans +750 | Thunder -1200
• Spread: Pelicans +14 (-110) | Thunder -14 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 223.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Oklahoma City will win straight-up is 92%.

New Orleans vs Oklahoma City Stats

New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans' offense is led by Zion Williamson, but he will be out for Wednesday's game, along with Dejounte Murray and CJ McCollum. They excel in scoring around the rim and have a strong perimeter presence from Brandon Ingram. The team also thrives in generating fast-break points off turnovers. Defensively, they have improved thanks to Yves Missi's interior presence and Herbert Jones' perimeter defense. They focus on closing out three-point shooters and contesting shots around the rim. Despite their 23rd power ranking, the Pelicans rank 25th in offense and 23rd in defense. They have a 3-8 record this season and struggle with allowing opponents to shoot well from the field.

Oklahoma City Thunder Analysis

The Oklahoma City Thunder have showcased a strong and balanced offense led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, complemented by the playmaking of Luguentz Dort and shooting abilities of players like Aaron Wiggins. They prioritize a fast-paced, high-possession style of play which has led to them ranking near the top in points per game with solid shooting percentages. Their dynamic offense thrives on transition opportunities, making them a challenging team to defend in open-court situations. On the defensive end, the Thunder have been equally impressive, boasting a strong defensive efficiency and a penchant for forcing turnovers and converting them into transition points. Despite missing key player Holmgren, the team's perimeter defense led by Gilgeous-Alexander and Dort will need to step up to limit opponent scoring. Overall, Oklahoma City's combination of offensive firepower and defensive resilience positions them as a formidable force in the Western Conference.

Oklahoma City's Defensive Dominance Sets Them Up for Success Against New Orleans

Oklahoma City's defensive prowess, led by guards Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luguentz Dort applying strong perimeter pressure, provides them with a competitive advantage over New Orleans. The Pelicans have demonstrated inconsistencies in their offensive performance, notably struggling with three-point shooting and turnovers. Capitalizing on their ability to create turnovers and convert them into transition points, the Thunder are poised to sustain momentum and potentially cover the spread, especially if the Pelicans struggle to score in their half-court offense. The betting line currently favors Oklahoma City by 4.5 points, reflecting their perceived advantage in this matchup.

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