Oklahoma City Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans: Analysis and Prediction – Oklahoma City Thunder will host New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA playoffs.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans Odds
Oklahoma City Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans (1/2): 1.29 / 3.83
Asian Handicap (-7.5 / +7.5): 1.80 / 1.98
Total Over/Under (214.5): 1.86 / 1.94
*Odds are active at the time the article is published
Oklahoma City Thunder Team News
Oklahoma City Thunder finished the regular season at the top of the Western Conference. They ended the season with five consecutive wins, securing the first position with a record of 57 wins and 25 losses, boasting 33 wins and only 8 losses at home.
This achievement is remarkable, especially considering that the Oklahoma City Thunder are the youngest team ever to lead their conference at the end of the regular season. Similar to other top teams, they excel in both offense and defense. They rank third in offense and fourth in defense in the league, with only the Boston Celtics ranking as high in both phases. Much of their offense relies on the phenomenal Canadian star, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who orchestrates the team’s offense superbly. Chat Holmgren will be a crucial factor in this series, stretching the floor with his three-point shooting and creating space for his teammates. Jalen Williams has surpassed expectations this season, posing a significant threat from beyond the arc, although he struggled against this particular opponent earlier in the season.
The outcome of this series largely depends on the performance of the Oklahoma City Thunder, as will be the case in this match. Maintaining their exceptionally high three-point shooting percentages will bring them close to victory. It’s worth noting that the Oklahoma City Thunder led the league in three-point shooting efficiency.
New Orleans Pelicans Team News
Although they secured a spot in this year’s playoffs, the New Orleans Pelicans cannot be overly satisfied and do not enter this match in good spirits. Primarily, the team lost two games against the Los Angeles Lakers that could have secured their playoff berth earlier. As a result, they had to play an additional match against the Sacramento Kings.
In the match against the Los Angeles Lakers, Zion Williamson got injured and will now miss some time. It’s questionable whether he will recover quickly enough to even appear in this series. Adding to that, Brandon Ingram also seems to be insufficiently recovered, and when he’s not at full health, he’s significantly less effective. Although the New Orleans Pelicans have a defense that can match up against quality opponents’ offenses, the problem could arise on the other end of the court. With Williamson out and Ingram not fully recovered, there’s a significant issue with their offense, especially considering the opponents’ strong defense. The Oklahoma City Thunder are the team with the most steals and blocks this season. CJ McCollum is no longer the player who can win games at such a high level. Unlike their opponents, who excel in close finishes, the Pelicans are exceptionally poor in those situations, which adds another complicating factor for them.
The New Orleans Pelicans have shown in the regular season that they can win games with their defense, and we believe that’s the only way they can prevail in this match. Especially because they have a couple of players who might be able to slow down the opponents’ best players and force them into less efficient performances.
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Oklahoma City Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans H2H
The Oklahoma City Thunder have won five consecutive games against this opponent.
Absences and Injuries
Tip-off Time: Monday, 22.04.2024, 03:30 CET
Prediction: Oklahoma City Thunder -7.5
Odds: 1.80
Sportsbook: 22Bet
*Odds are active at the time the article is published
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