Oklahoma City Thunder vs
New Orleans PelicansPredictions & Preview

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. New Orleans Pelicans: Pelicans Look to Avoid 0-3 Hole in Game Three Showdown

The Oklahoma City Thunder and New Orleans Pelicans are set to face off in game three of their first-round Western Conference series in New Orleans on Saturday. The Thunder currently hold a 2-0 lead in the series after winning the first two games. The Pelicans are in a must-win situation in game three to avoid falling into an 0-3 hole. The game is scheduled to begin at 3:30 PM EST, and Oklahoma City is the betting favorite, opening at -1 with the line remaining unchanged.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Thunder -110 | Pelicans -108
• Spread: Thunder -1 (-110) | Pelicans +1 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 209 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Oklahoma City will win straight-up is 52%.

Oklahoma City vs New Orleans Stats

Oklahoma City Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder have taken a 2-0 series lead against the Pelicans, winning both games at home and now preparing to face New Orleans on the road. The Thunder dominated game two with impressive performances from key players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams. Their strong offensive and defensive stats throughout the season have propelled them to success in the playoffs, with high shooting percentages and low turnovers. The Thunder are focused on winning and are in a strong position to advance to the next round. For more NBA picks, visit the link provided.

New Orleans Pelicans Analysis

In the first two games of the playoff series, the New Orleans Pelicans faced tough losses against the Thunder, trailing 2-0 as they head back home for game three. Without Zion Williamson due to a hamstring injury, Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum are under pressure to step up offensively. The team's struggles have been evident with a lack of scoring, shooting efficiency, and high turnover rates. Head coach Willie Green acknowledged the dominant performance by the Thunder and expressed the team's determination to regroup for the upcoming games. The Pelicans' defensive stats show areas of strength in limiting three-point shooting but vulnerabilities in allowing opponent field goals and free throws. Despite the setbacks, the Pelicans have shown resilience throughout the season, as reflected in their power rankings and offensive and defensive averages. With Williamson likely out for the rest of the series, the team will need to rely on their remaining key players to step up and overcome the odds in their playoff journey.

Pelicans Aim to Take Control of Series Against Thunder at Home

The New Orleans Pelicans are returning home with the goal of reestablishing themselves in the series against the Thunder. Despite the absence of Williamson, they possess the necessary offensive firepower to secure a victory in game three. It is imperative for Ingram to be more aggressive in shooting and less reliant on distributing the ball. As the team's top one-on-one player, he must aim for a minimum of 15 shot attempts to support his team without Williamson on the court. The Pelicans demonstrated dominance on the boards in game one and should continue to do so against the undersized Thunder in game three. Additionally, improved shooting will be crucial for the Pelicans, given their higher shooting percentages at home throughout the season. Anticipating a closer game, the Pelicans are likely to close the gap in 3-point field goals made per game and secure a win. Therefore, it is advisable to take New Orleans +1.5.

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