New Orleans Pelicans vs Oklahoma City Thunder, NBA 2024-25 Season, Today Match Prediction

New Orleans Pelicans vs Oklahoma City Thunder Basteball Odds

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New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans were on one of the worst runs of the 2024-25 season losing nine straight games before winning against the Phoenix Suns in their last fixture. This win saw them leave the last place in the Western Conference and put them above the Utah Jazz in the rankings. 

Statistically, they have been very bad at both ends of the floor; they average 43.4 rebounds per game (17th in the league) and 24.4 assists per game (22nd in the league). Shooting efficiency has been a major problem for the Pelicans; they shoot 43.7% on 2-pointers and 33.4% on 3-pointers, which contributes to their league-worst average of 103.5 points per game. Defensively, they give up 115.3 points per game, which is the 22nd in the league, which is part of their problem.

All of this aside, Brandon Ingram has been the bright spot on this team, averaging 22.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists in 16 games and it is his return from injury that has seen a turn in form for the Pelicans. 

Meanwhile, CJ McCollum has filled in with 19.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists which places him second in the Pelicans scoring chart at the time of writing. The other asset to the team has been Dejounte Murray, who recently signed and is coming back from injury similar to Ingram.

The Pelicans have a long list of injuries, including Jamal Cain (ankle), Jordan Hawkins (knee), Zion Williamson (hamstring), Herbert Jones (shoulder), and Jose Alvarado (hamstring), which has impacted their performance. Their starting lineup should include Dejounte Murray at point guard, CJ McCollum at shooting guard, Brandon Ingram at small forward, Javonte Green at power forward, and Yves Missi at center.

Oklahoma City Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder have achieved back-to-back wins in their recent performances against the Toronto Raptors and the Utah Jazz after losing against the Houston Rockets which ended their four-game winning streak. 

Their stunning 17-5 record sees them on top of the table within the Northwest Division and the Western Conference and gives them a 2.5-game lead over the second-placed Rockets. The Thunder ranks 19th in the league on rebounds per game at 43.1 rebounds during the games. 

Interestingly, they have a great position in the blocks per game category, averaging 6.7 blocks. In assists per game, they rank 18th, averaging 25.2 assists, indicating consistency in teamwork and distribution of the ball.

In terms of their shooting efficiency, the team has been doing very well. Its 2-point shooting efficiency is 54.4%. Their 3-point shooting efficiency is 34.5%. Such excellent shooting efficiencies have resulted in their total performance in scoring 113.9 points per game and thus displaying potential on the attacking end. 

They are very strong on defense, conceding only 103.2 points per game; that is the second-best in the league. Superstars in the team include the likes of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who averages 29.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game. 

The other star in OKC is Jalen Williams as he averages 21.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists. However, they have a few casualties with six players out of commission. Starters who are currently inactive are Alex Caruso and Chet Holmgren. 

Even with that, its starting five consists of players such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort, Aaron Wiggins, Jalen Williams, and Isaiah Hartenstein-still going very strong, balancing on efficient scoring as well with robust defensive as also the capacity to take control of close matches. However, when it comes to the Western Conference, Thunder proves to be strong owing to the resilience and depth from the bench that this squad offers.

New Orleans Pelicans vs Oklahoma City Thunder Starting Lineups

New Orleans Pelicans vs Oklahoma City Thunder Match Prediction & Analysis

The Oklahoma City Thunder will enter this fixture with an 8-3 Away record which is the best figure in the Western Conference while the Pelicans on the other hand have suffered at home with a 4-7 record. 

Both sides are currently on the opposite side of the spectrum with the Pelicans 12.5 games behind the Oklahoma side at the time of writing. Furthermore, the OKC side is good on the ATS spread too as they currently have a record of 13-9-0 with a Spread percentage of 59.1%. The Pelicans however have struggled on the Spread covering only 34.8% and branding a record of 8-15-0.

New Orleans Pelicans vs Oklahoma City Thunder Player Stats

NEW ORLEANS PELICANS vs OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
Winning Prediction

Although the New Orleans Pelicans would love to take home the win it’s almost impossible for the Louisiana side to take the dub given the form they are in. While their win against the Phoenix Suns will be a huge boost the Thunder are one of the best teams in the league and should get the win on the night, especially with how their team is playing at the moment.

Oklahoma City Thunder to Win!

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