pelicans vs thunder best bets
Pelicans vs Thunder Best Bets
The Pelicans vs. Thunder Play-In matchup is a clash of styles, pitting experience against youthful exuberance. While the Pelicans hold the season series advantage, the Thunder’s recent form and home-court advantage make them a tempting underdog pick.
Game Odds and Predictions
The Oklahoma City Thunder (40-42) are set to host the New Orleans Pelicans (42-40) Wednesday in the Western Conference play-in tournament at Smoothie King Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 9⁚30 p.m. ET (ESPN). According to ESPN’s Matchup Predictor, the Oklahoma City Thunder have a 70.9% chance to beat the New Orleans Pelicans. The Oklahoma City Thunder are favored to defeat the New Orleans Pelicans in Game 2, according to BetMGM odds.
The Pelicans are a 1.5-point underdog in the latest Thunder vs. Pelicans odds from SportsLine consensus٫ while the over/under for total points scored is 209.5. Before making any Pelicans vs. Thunder picks٫ you’ll want to see the NBA predictions and betting advice from the proven computer model..;
Pelicans⁚ +5 (-110) spread; +200 ML
Thunder⁚ -5 (-110) spread; -170 ML
In the United States, Pelicans vs. Thunder will air nationally on ESPN. Viewers in the U.S. can also stream Pelicans vs. Thunder on Sling TV.
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Historical Performance and Trends
The Pelicans and Thunder have faced off numerous times this season, with New Orleans taking the season series against its Play-In foe. However, all three of the Pelicans’ wins were by fewer than five points, indicating the closely contested nature of their matchups.
Examining the box scores reveals that the lineups for those games differed significantly from what we anticipate seeing in the win-or-go-home Play-In matchup. The Pelicans’ first victory came with a dominant performance from Zion Williamson, who, unfortunately, will be unavailable for this crucial game.
Their second win was a hard-fought overtime battle won without star forward Brandon Ingram. The Pelicans secured their third victory without star guard C.J. McCollum.
The Thunder managed to snatch one victory against a Pelicans team missing Brandon Ingram. Despite the Pelicans facing more lineup inconsistencies throughout the season series, the narrow margins of victory in their three wins highlight the competitive nature of this matchup.
The Thunder have hit the team total Over in 29 of their last 38 games at home (18.55 units / 42 ROI).
Key Player Matchups
The Pelicans vs. Thunder Play-In Game features a captivating duel between two of the league’s most electrifying young talents⁚ Brandon Ingram and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Ingram, showcasing his scoring prowess, has been instrumental in the Pelicans’ late-season surge. Averaging 27.4 points, 7.4 assists, and 6.1 rebounds since March, he’s a walking highlight reel capable of taking over games. Notably, Ingram torched the Thunder for 34 points in their lone encounter this season, sinking a clutch bucket in the waning moments to secure the Pelicans’ victory.
However, Gilgeous-Alexander has been a force to be reckoned with all season, establishing himself as a legitimate All-Star and the heart and soul of the Thunder’s resurgence. He consistently delivered against the Pelicans, surpassing the 30-point mark twice and erupting for over 40 points in one of their four matchups.
The battle between Ingram and Gilgeous-Alexander promises to be a captivating display of offensive firepower. The outcome of this crucial Play-In matchup may very well hinge on which star can elevate their game when it matters most.
Betting Odds and Lines
As the Pelicans and Thunder prepare to square off in a pivotal Play-In matchup, the betting odds paint an intriguing picture of this clash between experience and youthful exuberance. Despite the Pelicans securing the season series victory, the Thunder enter this win-or-go-home contest as the slight favorites, according to oddsmakers. This unexpected turn of events likely stems from the Thunder’s home-court advantage and their impressive recent form. DraftKings currently lists the Thunder as 5-point favorites, with a moneyline of -200, implying a 66.7% probability of victory. Conversely, the Pelicans are positioned as 5-point underdogs, carrying a moneyline of +170, suggesting a 37% chance of pulling off the upset.
The over/under for total points scored is set at 224.5, reflecting the offensive firepower both teams possess. Bettors seeking value might consider the over, given the high-scoring nature of their previous encounters.
Ultimately, the betting landscape suggests a closely contested matchup, with the Thunder holding a slight edge due to home-court advantage. However, the Pelicans’ experience and ability to steal wins on the road cannot be discounted, making this Play-In showdown a compelling betting opportunity.
Expert Picks and Analysis
The Pelicans vs. Thunder Play-In game has captivated NBA analysts, with many divided on predicting the outcome of this clash between experience and youthful exuberance. Experts highlight the captivating matchup between Brandon Ingram and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as a potential decider.
Several analysts favor the Thunder, citing their home-court advantage and the electrifying play of Gilgeous-Alexander. They believe OKC’s high-paced offense and stifling defense, ranked among the league’s best in recent weeks, give them an edge. The Thunder’s ability to force turnovers and convert them into easy baskets could be crucial against a Pelicans team prone to sloppy play;
Conversely, other experts lean towards the Pelicans, emphasizing their experience and resilience. They point to Ingram’s recent scoring surge and the team’s ability to grind out tough wins, even without Zion Williamson. The Pelicans’ size advantage in the paint, with Jonas Valanciunas potentially dominating the boards, could be a significant factor.
Despite the Pelicans’ season series advantage, the expert consensus leans slightly towards the Thunder. However, the predictions remain divided, with many acknowledging the Pelicans’ upset potential. This evenly matched showdown promises to be a thrilling spectacle, leaving both fans and analysts on the edge of their seats.