Expert prediction
NBA: Thunder vs Pelicans Prediction, Odds and Picks (Apr 12)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- The Thunder travel to face the Pelicans in the NBA Play-In Tournament.
- The winner moves on to face the loser of the Timberwolves-Lakers contest.
- Who will come out on top?
The Oklahoma City Thunder have snagged the 10-seed despite a young roster and Chet Holmgren missing the entire season. The Pelicans clinched the 9-seed despite Zion Williamson missing more time with yet another injury.
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How to Watch
- Where: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
- When: Wednesday, April 12, 2023, 9:30 PM ET
- How to Watch: ESPN
Odds
| TEAM | MONEYLINE | SPREAD |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | +185 | |
| New Orleans Pelicans | -215 | – |
Game Preview
The Thunder have been exciting to watch all season long, and they will get even better next year with draft picks and with No. 2 pick Chet Holmgren finally making his NBA debut.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has become one of the best scorers in the league. He sits 4th in the NBA with 31.4 PPG, behind only Joel Embiid, Luka Doncic, and Damian Lillard, respectively.
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The Pelicans are without Zion Williamson (what else is new?) although Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum have been able to carry the load. Ingram returned from an injury and has scored 24.7 PPG in 45 contests, and McCollum is at 20.9 PPG. However, one surprising factor has been Trey Murphy III, who is averaging 14.5 PPG and has become a vital part of the Pelicans rotation.
Prediction
The bad news for OKC is that the Pelicans have won all three games against them this season. The good news is that in those three games, the combined margin of victory has been 10, with all three coming by less than five points. A 10-seed has never been able to win in this new Play-In format, but SGA drops a 40-piece and the Thunder get the win to survive another day.
Moneyline Pick:
Spread Pick:
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