Oklahoma City Thunder (59-25) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (50-36)
April 27, 2024 3:30 pm EDT
The Line: New Orleans Pelicans +1; Over/Under: +211
(Get latest betting odds)
The Oklahoma City Thunder and New Orleans Pelicans meet Saturday in Game 3 West NBA Playoffs action at the Smoothie King Center. Here’s a Oklahoma City Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction.
Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Preview
The Oklahoma City Thunder can all but end this series with a win here and a 3-0 lead. The Oklahoma City Thunder are averaging 109 points on 50.9 percent shooting and allowing 92 points on 41.4 percent shooting. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 30.5 points and 4.5 assists, while Chet Holmgren is averaging 20.5 points and 9 rebounds. Jalen Williams is the third double-digit scorer and Luguentz Dort is grabbing 2.5 rebounds. The Oklahoma City Thunder are shooting 39.3 percent from beyond the arc and 84.8 percent from the free throw line. The Oklahoma City Thunder are allowing 27.7 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 40.5 rebounds per game.
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview
The New Orleans Pelicans need a win here to cut the series deficit to 1-2 after bombing in the first two games. The New Orleans Pelicans are averaging 92 points on 41.4 percent shooting and allowing 109 points on 50.9 percent shooting. CJ McCollum is averaging 17.5 points and 4 rebounds, while Jonas Valanciunas is averaging 16 points and 13.5 rebounds. Brandon Ingram is the third double-digit scorer and Trey Murphy III is grabbing 4.5 rebounds. The New Orleans Pelicans are shooting 27.7 percent from beyond the arc and 86.7 percent from the free throw line. The New Orleans Pelicans are allowing 39.3 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 43.5 rebounds per game.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans Injury Report
The Oklahoma City Thunder enter game 3 without a single player on their injury report. The New Orleans Pelicans will continue to be without star Zion Williamson due to a hamstring injury. Cody Zeller is questionable for the Pelicans due to a face injury.
New Orleans Pelicans Team Facts
- The Pelicans have won seven of their last eight games as underdogs against Western Conference opponents following a loss.
- The road team has covered the spread in nine of the last 10 games between the Thunder and Pelicans.
- Each of the Pelicans’ last six day games against Northwest Division opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
Oklahoma City Thunder Team Facts
- The favorites have won each of the Thunder’s last 11 games.
- The Thunder have covered the spread in each of their last nine games at Smoothie King Center.
- Five of the Thunder’s last six road games have gone OVER the total points line.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction
It’s hard to go against the Thunder in this spot when you consider they’ve won 4 straight games against the Pelicans and 6 of the last 7 games. The Pelicans are still without Williamson, and Ingram and McCollum just haven’t been able to raise their game so far to give the Pelicans a chance. With all that said, if the Pelicans are going to win this series, this is a must win game. OKC also isn’t as good on the road as it is at home, as the Thunder have seen 17 of their 25 losses come on the road this season. You’d think the role players will play better for the Pelicans at home, and the offense cant be much worse than what it’s been through the first two efforts. Near pick em spot, give me the Pelicans to get back in this series.
