Pelicans vs Thunder Prediction and Odds

Pelicans vs Thunder Prediction and Odds: Read about the strength, weaknesses, and the latest odds and predictions for this game.

With the final two spots in the playoffs left to be decided, the New Orleans Pelicans and the OKC Thunder will come face-to-face tonight. The winner will face Minnesota Timberwolves for the 8th spot in the Western Conference who will in turn face the 1st seeded team from the West, Denver Nuggets in the playoffs.

The New Orleans Pelicans ended their regular season as the 9th-seeded team in the West while the OKC Thunder with 2 less victories than the Orleans, had to settle at the 10th position.

The two teams, New Orleans Pelicans and the OKC Thunder will meet at Smoothie King Center. As a host, the Pelicans will have a home advantage.

Pelicans vs Thunder Prediction: Regular Season Recap

The New Orleans Pelicans ended their regular season campaign as the 9th-best team in the West and overall they were 15th in the season. Their overall performance was average as they won 42 games and lost 40 regular season games. The Pelicans picked up late in the season and in their last 10 games, the Pelicans won 7 and lost only 3. However, they lost their last regular season game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Overall their regular season stats were, 27 home wins and 15 away wins.

The Oklahoma City Thunder on the hand had more defeats than victories in the regular season. The OKC Thunder with 40 wins ad 42 defeats ended their regular season campaign as the 10th-seeded team in the West. Their overall campaign has not been an impressive one but they managed to end their regular season on a winning note. In their last 10 games, the OKC Thunder picked up only 4 wins, 2 of them coming in their last 2 outings. The OKC Thunder defeated Utah Jazz and Memphis Grizzlies respectively in their last two regular-season games.

Pelicans vs Thunder Odds

Spread

  • OKC Thunder: +4.5 (-119)
  • New Orleans Pelicans: -4.5 (-119)

Moneyline

  • OKC Thunder: +155
  • New Orleans Pelicans: -217

Win Probability

  • OKC Thunder: 29%
  • New Orleans Pelicans: 71%
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Read: Knicks vs Cavaliers Game 1 Prediction and Odds

Thunder vs Pelicans Prediction: Home-Away Stats

The New Orleans Pelicans will be hosting the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight. The Pelicans have had a better home record this season. Of 41 home games, the Pelicans won 27 and lost 14. n their last 5 home games, the New Orleans Pelicans won 4 and lost just one. They defeated the New York Knicks, Memphis Grizzlies, Los Angeles Clippers, and Charlotte Hornets in their last five home games. The last time when the OKC Thunder visited New Orleans to face the Pelicans, the New Orleans Pelicans suffered a 110-96 points defeat.

The Oklahoma City Thunder on the hand has suffered playing away from home this season. The OKC Thunder has been able to register only 16 wins in 41 away games. In their last five away games, the City Thunder won 2 and lost three games. The victories came against the likes of the Utah Jazz and the Portland Trail Blazers. Against the Pelicans in their backyard this season, the OKC Thunder won 1 game and lost the other game.

Pelicans vs Thunder Prediction: Offensive and Defensive Stats

Offense Advantage: OKC Thunder

  • The New Orleans Pelicans are playing with an average of 114.4 points per game. In shooting, they have a success rate of 48.06% in field goals, 36.50% in 3-pointers, and 81.10% in free throws. The Pelicans have an adjusted offensive rating of 114.1
  • The OKC Thunder have maintained a scoring rate of 117.4 points per game. They shot 46.6% from the field and 35.7% from the 3-point line. The free throw accuracy stands at 80.9%. The Thunder rank 19 in the offense with an Adjusted Offensive Rating of 114.5.

Defense Advantage: New Orleans Pelicans

  • The New Orleans Pelicans have conceded 112.4 points per game in the current season. They played with 41.7 rebounds per game. The average number of steals per game is currently 8.3 while the average number of blocks per game stands at 4.0. The Pelicans have an adjusted defensive rating of 112.4
  • The OKC Thunder are giving away 116.6 points per game in the current season. They played with an average of 46.6 rebounds per game. The average number of steals and the average number of blocks per game are currently at 8.2 and 4.2 respectively. The Thunder are rated 114.3 on defense with a rank of 17 in the league.

Pelicans vs Thunder Prediction: Head-to-head

The OKC Thunder and the New Orleans Pelicans have played 71 head-to-head games as of now. Of 71 games, the OKC Thunder have won 40 games and the New Orleans Pelicans won 31 games.

In the last 5 head-to-head games between the two teams, Thunders won 2 and the Pelicans won 3 games. This season of 4 games, the Pelicans won 3 and the Thunder won 1 game.

The last game between the two teams ended in a win for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Head-to-Head: Key Highlights (Last 5 Meetings)

  • Number of home games won by the OKC Thunder: 1
  • Number of away games won by the New Orleans Pelicans: 1
  • Average Number of Total Points scored: 223.8
  • Average Number of Points scored by the OKC Thunder: 112.2
  • Average Number of Points scored by the New Orleans Pelicans: 111.6

Pelicans vs Thunder Players to Watch Out

Oklahoma City Thunder

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Point Guard)

Points Per Game: 31.0 | Assists Per Game: 5.7 | Rebounds Per Game: 4.6

Josh Giddey (Shooting Guard)

Points Per Game: 16.3 | Rebounds Per Game: 7.9 | Assists Per Game: 5.9

Jalen Williams (Forward)

Points Per Game: 12.0 | Rebounds Per Game: 4.1 | Steals Per Game: 1.2

New Orleans Pelicans

Brandon Ingram (Small Forward)

Points Per Game: 21.8 | Assists Per Game: 5.2 | Rebounds Per Game: 5.0

C.J. McCollum (Shooting Guard)

Points Per Game: 21.1 | Assists Per Game: 5.8 | Rebounds Per Game: 4.3

McCollum’s participation in the next game is subject to fitness.

Jonas Valunciunas (Center)

Points Per Game: 14.5 | Rebounds Per Game: 9.8 | Assists Per Game: 1.6

Pelicans vs Thunder Winner Prediction

The New Orleans Pelicans will be hosting the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight. This will be a crucial game for both teams as the winner will move one step closer to qualifying for the playoffs. The Pelicans will be starting as home favorites. They have had a better home campaign this season.

Considering the stats of both the teams, the Pelicans and the Thunder have had the almost same form. The OKC Thunder have had better offensive stats while the New Orleans Pelicans have been better with their defense. Talking about the head-to-head stats, the Thunder have had more victories playing against the Pelicans.

However, the bookmakers have favored the home side over the visitors. Overall, New Orleans Pelicans will have a better chance of victory against the OKC Thunder.