OKC Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans: Prediction, Starting Lineups and Betting Tips

THE OKC Thunder go to Louisiana to face the New Orleans Pelicans. Oklahoma hopes to bounce back from an embarrassing 118-93 loss to Milwaukee Bucks two nights ago. Everyone on coach Mark Daigneault’s roster is healthy, so the Thunder will be eager to win the season series 2-1 against the hosts.

The Pelicans are undefeated since losing Brandon Ingram to a bone bruise in his knee on Thursday. They beat the Miami Heat 111-88 on Friday before beating the Detroit Pistons 114-101 on Sunday. Oklahoma, however, will provide a much bigger test as it is healthy and chasing a share of the top seed in the Western Conference.

The Thunder have 12 games left on their schedule to try to chase down the Denver Nuggets for the No. 1 seed in the West. Only one game separates the two, but OKC has a tougher schedule with half its roster on the road. A win against a legitimate playoff opponent will move them closer to their goal of toppling the reigning totem pole champions.

OKC Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans: Preview, Predictions and Betting Tips

The Smoothie King Center will host the game between the OKC Thunder and the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday. Bounce TV and Bally Sports OK will broadcast the match locally as there is no national television coverage.

Money line: Thunder (-125) vs. Pelicans (+105)

Spread: Thunder (-2.0) vs. Pelicans (+2.0)

Total (P/U): Thunder (o223.5 -110) vs. Pelicans (u223.5 -110)

Editor’s Note: The odds could change as the match approaches. The odds listed were consistent with information available at the time of writing.

OKC Thunder vs. New Orleans Pelicans: Game Preview

The OKC Thunder couldn’t overcome a terrible shooting night in the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks. They dug themselves too deep a hole when they opened said period 0 for 13. Oklahoma can’t afford another spell like this when it visits the Pelicans. Their opponents will be without Ingram but they will be playing in front of a rabid fan base which will boost the hosts’ confidence.

The New Orleans Pelicans shrugged off Ingram’s absence and just four points from Zion Williamson to demolish the Miami Heat. They used a balanced score two nights later to put away the Detroit Pistons. Willie Green’s team will have to adapt again against an opponent who could punish them for the unavailability of “BI”. New Orleans will need to be sharp on both ends of the floor to defend their home field.

OKC Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans: starting lineups, substitutes and rotations

PF – Chet Holmgren, F -Jalen Williams, PG – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, SG – Josh Giddey and g – Lu Dort will open the game for the OKC Thunder.

Daigneault often varies his replacement model depending on the performance of his team. He could insert Kenrich Williams early to help contain Zion Williamson

PF -Zion Williamson, SF -Herb Jones, VS – Jonas Valanciunas, SG -CJ McCollum and SG – Trey Murphy III will start for the New Orleans Pelicans.

Willie Green’s first move is usually to take out “Zanos” midway through the first quarter, then start him for the second. But, with Ingram out, he could relieve Valanciunas first and insert Larry Nance Jr. or Nnaji Marshall.

OKC Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans: Betting Tips

Zion Williamson has a prop of 25.5 points over/under. Williamson said “he wasn’t tripping” after a four-point outing against the Miami Heat. He bounced back with a crushing 36-point demolition of the Detroit Pistons.

“Zanos” looks ready for big games and is likely eager to impress against the OKC Thunder. Expect him to be aggressive and likely overstep his points.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is arguably the best player in the Thunder-Pelicans fight, has a prop of 29.5 points over/under. “SGA” is coming off a dismal outing against the Bucks and will look to redeem itself against the New Orleans Pelicans. The shifty point guard will likely return to his vintage form and overcome his point prop.