New Orleans Pelicans vs Oklahoma City Thunder: Analysis and Prediction – New Orleans Pelicans and Oklahoma City Thunder play NBA Playoffs game.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Oklahoma City Thunder Odds
New Orleans Pelicans Team News
After missing their chance in the first two games on the road, the New Orleans Pelicans suffered another defeat, this time on their home court. They find themselves in a tough spot, trailing 3-0, and many have already written them off from any chance of a comeback or surprise.
Jonas Valanciunas has performed at a very high level in two out of the three mentioned games. However, his 20 rebounds in the first game or the fact that he was the top scorer for his team in the second game speaks volumes about the issues the New Orleans Pelicans are facing. With Zion Williamson injured and unable to contribute offensively or defensively, it’s currently the most difficult circumstance for the team. Brandon Ingram plays his game where offensive success largely depends on percentages, and defense has never been something to boast about. CJ McCollum is in his ninth consecutive season averaging over 20 points per game, but apart from him, only Trey Murphy poses a threat to the Oklahoma City Thunder. In such a power dynamic and against such a quality opponent, someone else needs to step up from the sidelines.
We’ve just hinted at what is necessary for the New Orleans Pelicans to keep this series alive and avoid the sweep. The mentioned quartet must be in top form, but at the same time, they cannot allow the Oklahoma City Thunder to dictate the pace of the game, a pace that the Pelicans clearly cannot keep up with. Control of defensive rebounds will also be key to avoiding the dreaded “sweep.”
Oklahoma City Thunder Team News
Top of the table in the Western Conference before the playoffs, the youngest team in the NBA, and leaders in five statistical categories – all orchestrated by the Oklahoma City Thunder. They defended their home court in the first two games and then made a breakthrough in New Orleans in the third game, taking a 3-0 lead.
Each game played showcased the character of this young team in a different way. In the first match, they were on the brink of defeat but managed to adapt to the opponent’s game and secure a victory in front of their fans. In the second game, they further scouted all the strengths and weaknesses of their rival for a convincing triumph, demonstrating a high level of play even on the road. They became the first team in NBA playoff history to have four players from the starting lineup score a minimum of 20 points in a single game. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a true leader on the court, Chet Holmgren lives up to the high expectations in his rookie season, and Jalen Williams already looks like perhaps the most complete player on this team in the backcourt, with a focus on defense while also enjoying attacking threats from all angles on the court. With Lu Dort and Josh Giddey also showing an upsurge in form, the Oklahoma City Thunder have plenty of reasons for optimism.
If they want to end this series now and have an extra day of rest before the second-round games, it’s essential for them to approach each game with maximum seriousness and concentration for all 48 minutes. They already have the formula for triumph, as seen in each of the previous three games.
Every day, “Basketball Sphere” provides all its readers with the best predictions for today’s games.
If you are reading our analysis for the first time, then it is important to mention that every day we also offer to our readers a “Acca of the Day” completely free.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Oklahoma City Thunder H2H
Absences and Injuries
New Orleans Pelicans vs Oklahoma City Thunder Prediction
Tip-off Time: Tuesday, 30.04.2024, 02:30 CET
Prediction: Oklahoma City Thunder -4
Odds: 1.86
Sportsbook: MyBookie
*Odds are active at the time the article is published
We found the best odds for this game at the popular MyBookie sportsbook. You will get an attractive Welcome Bonus for all newly registered customers if you register today.
Top Betting Offers 2024: