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

Oklahoma City Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans Basteball Odds

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Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder are 1st in the North-west division and 1st in the Western Conference.The record of the Thunder in the 2024-25 NBA season is 9-2.In their recent matchup against the Clippers, they won by 6 points (134-128).Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a career-high 45 points, and the Thunders beat the Los Angeles Clippers 134-128 on Monday night in their first game this season without Chet Holmgren. 

Holmgren will miss at least 8 weeks with a pelvic fracture after a hard fall during Sunday’s loss to warriors. The 7-foot-1 forward/center had been one of the league's most efficient scorers and top shot blockers. Gilgeous-Alexander picked up the slack by making 13 of 21 field goals and 15 of 16 free throws. He also had nine assists. 

Jalen Williams scored 28 points and Lu Dort added 19 for Oklahoma City.With their tallest starter at 6-foot-6, the Thunder ran relentlessly, yet committed just 11 turnovers. They were outrebounded 47-29.The Thunder led by 20 midway through the third quarter. 

Powell's fadeaway corner 3 at the end of the third trimmed Oklahoma City's lead to 99-94, and the game was close throughout the final period.Even with several players injured, Oklahoma City's depth was too much for the Clippers, especially with Los Angeles in foul trouble. Gilgeous-Alexander made two free throws with 22.7 seconds left to put the Thunder ahead 132-128 and reach his career-high point total.

For the upcoming match against the New Orleans Pelicans, the Oklahoma City Thunder will likely focus on utilizing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring versatility. Expect OKC to capitalize on defensive stops to initiate fast-break opportunities, using their guard-heavy rotation to control the pace and limit Pelicans ball movement. 

The Thunder aim to exploit perimeter mismatches, keeping the Pelicans defenders on their heels. Effective rebounding will also be a focus to limit Pelicans second-chance points. Perimeter Defense, Limiting New Orleans' three-point shooters will be crucial, especially considering their scorers. Utilize young players’ speed to capitalize on turnovers and transition plays.

Ball Movement, emphasize teamwork and spacing to counter the Pelicans' defensive pressure and find open shots. The Thunder on average score 117.4 points per game they score 46.6% from the field and are ranked 2nd in the league and 35.5% from the arc are ranked 13th in the league. Rebounds Per Game:- 43 rebounds and are ranked 18th in the league.

Oklahoma City Thunder Player Props Predictions

Oklahoma City Thunder Over/Under Predictions

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New Orleans Pelicans

The Pelicans are 5th in the Atlantic division and 14th in the Eastern Conference. The record of the Pelicans in the 2024-25 NBA season is 3-8.In their recent matchup against Nets, they lost by 2 points (105-107). Brandon Ingram led New Orleans with 24 points, but scored just 2 points on a pair of free throws in the second half. 

Rookie center Yves Missi had 17 points and 11 rebounds — both career highs — and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl had 15 points for the Pelicans, who did not score during the final 3:35.Brandon, who had 10 assists, made a 27-foot 3-pointer and followed that up with a dunk after a steal by Missi to give New Orleans a 105-101 lead. But the Pelicans missed their final eight shots as the Nets pulled back in front.Trey Murphy III played for the first time this season after straining his right hamstring in training camp. He scored 12 points but missed 10 of 14 shots overall and went 2 for 6 from deep.

For the upcoming match against the Oklahoma City Thunder,the Pelicans focuses on exploiting their strengths in interior scoring, driven by players like Zion Williamson. The Pelicans aim to dominate the paint and out-rebound the Thunders’, capitalizing on Thunders’ relative weaknesses in defending powerful inside players. 

To counter the Thunders’ shooting, the Pelicans focus on perimeter defense and controlling pace, slowing down fast breaks to limit scoring opportunities for Thunders’ guards and wings. Prevent the Thunder’s transition game by controlling the tempo and limiting turnovers. 

Focus on containing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to limit the Thunder’s offensive flow.Use size advantage to dominate the boards, creating second-chance points and preventing Thunder from getting fast breaks. The Pelicans on average score 107  points per game they score 44.5% from the field and are ranked 22nd in the league and 35.9% from the arc are ranked 12th in the league. Rebounds Per Game:- 40.9 rebounds and are ranked 26th in the league.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans Starting Lineups

Oklahoma City Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans Match Prediction & Analysis

The Thunder’s record against the spread last season was 46-35-1. Last year, the Thunder games went over 221.5 points scored, their current matchup’s total, 55 (out of 82) times. The Pelicans were 44-36-2 against the spread last year. The Pelicans played 51 games last year (62.2% of chances) in which the teams combined to score more than 235.5 points. Pelicans games in 2023 averaged an over/under of 241.3 points, 5.8 more than the point total in this matchup.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans Over/Under Predictions

Oklahoma City Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans Player Stats