Oklahoma City Thunder (17-5) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (5-18)
December 7, 2024 7:00 pm EDT
The Line: New Orleans Pelicans +7.5; Over/Under: +226
(Get latest betting odds)
The Oklahoma City Thunder and New Orleans Pelicans meet Saturday in NBA action at the Smoothie King Center. Here’s a New Orleans Pelicans vs Oklahoma City Thunder Prediction. This article will include a New Orleans Pelicans vs Oklahoma City Thunder Pick.
Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Preview
The Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Jazz and Raptors, and they play the Mavericks, Magic, and Heat next. The Oklahoma City Thunder are averaging 115.6 points on 46.3 percent shooting and allowing 103.6 points on 42.3 percent shooting. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 29.8 points and 6.5 assists, while Jalen Williams is averaging 21.7 points and 6.1 rebounds. Chet Holmgren is the third double-digit scorer and Isaiah Hartenstein is grabbing 12.9 rebounds. The Oklahoma City Thunder are shooting 34.6 percent from beyond the arc and 80.5 percent from the free throw line. The Oklahoma City Thunder are allowing 33.4 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 43.3 rebounds per game.
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview
The New Orleans Pelicans lost to the Hawks, beat the Suns, and they play the Spurs, Kings, and Pacers next. The New Orleans Pelicans are averaging 104.3 points on 43.6 percent shooting and allowing 116.4 points on 48.6 percent shooting. Brandon Ingram is averaging 23.2 points and 5.8 rebounds, while Zion Williamson is averaging 22.7 points and 8 rebounds. CJ McCollum is the third double-digit scorer and Trey Murphy III is grabbing 4.6 rebounds. The New Orleans Pelicans are shooting 32.8 percent from beyond the arc and 75.2 percent from the free throw line. The New Orleans Pelicans are allowing 37.3 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 43.4 rebounds per game.
Why the Oklahoma City Thunder will win
- The Thunder have won each of their last seven games against the Pelicans.
- The Pelicans have lost each of their last six games against the Thunder after winning as underdogs.
- The Thunder have covered the spread in each of their last 11 games at Smoothie King Center.
- The Pelicans have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight games against Northwest Division opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Eleven of the Thunder’s last 12 road games following a road win have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Eight of the Pelicans’ last nine home games against Western Conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Oklahoma City Thunder Prediction
The Oklahoma City Thunder are going to get the love from oddsmakers for obvious reasons, and they’re 13-7-2 ATS on the season. A blowout from OKC would surprise nobody. However, the Pelicans are starting to get guys back from injury, and they’re coming off a nice win over the Thunder on Thursday. At full strength or close to it, the Pelicans are a playoff-caliber team that can make some noise. I know it’s ugly right now, but there’s hope in New Orleans, assuming health is on its side for a change. Give me the points with the Pels.
