At the onset Oklahoma City is one of the top NBA betting threats to win the Western Conference, at the very least. And with Shai Gilgeous Alexander, the Thunder have one of the best players in the NBA. Most important of all, the Thunder made gamblers happy with a good profit margin and consistent board value. The marquee man on the Oklahoma City Thunder is general manager Sam Presti. Presti completely remade the OKC Thunder and transformed the team into a top Western Conference contender in its fourth season after a total teardown.
2024 NBA Playoffs First Round Series Oklahoma City Thunder vs. New Orleans Pelicans
| Date and Time: | Wednesday, April 24, 2024, 9:30 PM ET. |
|---|---|
| Location: | Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK. |
| TV Coverage: | TNT |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pelicans | +7½ -110 | 211½ -110 | +270 |  |
| City Thunder | -7½ -110 | 211½ -110 | -340 | |
| ||||
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. New Orleans Pelicans Series Schedule
- Game 1: Sun., April 21 @ Oklahoma City 94, New Orleans 92
- Game 2: Wed., April 24 @ Oklahoma City (9:30 p.m. ET, TNT)
- Game 3: Sat. April 27 @ New Orleans (3:30 p.m. ET, TNT)
- Game 4: Mon. April 29 @ New Orleans (TBD)
- Game 5: Wed., May 1 @ Oklahoma City (TBD)*
- Game 6: Fri. May 3 @ New Orleans (TBD)*
- Game 7: Sun., May 5 @ Oklahoma City (TBD)*
*if necessary
Oklahoma City Thunder Team Overview
The Oklahoma City Thunder are 57-25 straight up, 46-36 against the spread, and 46-35-1 over/under the online betting total. Late on, Oklahoma City has covered four out of their last five games. In comparison, the Thunder have gone over the total in four of its previous six matchups. Oklahoma City is 1st in the Western Conference playoff standings. Minnesota was a game behind the Thunder in the Western Conference playoff race.
Overall, Oklahoma City has NBA metrics of 3rd for scoring offense, 3rd for field goal percentage, 1st for 3-point field goal percentage, 4th for free throw percentage, and 27th for offensive rebounding. In comparison, on defense, the Thunder gave NBA metrics of 11th for scoring defense, 3rd for field goal percentage permitted,12th for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 23rd for defensive rebounding.
PG Shai Gilgeous Alexander leads the Thunder with 30.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game. He is a 2-time NBA All-Star. Also, Alexander averaged 23.7 or more points per game in the past three seasons.
New Orleans Pelicans Team Overview
The New Orleans Pelicans are 49-33 straight up, 43-37-2 against the spread, and 36-45-1 over/under the NBA betting total. Late on, New Orleans has covered three out of their last five games. At the same time, the Pelicans have gone over the total in two of its previous five matchups. New Orleans is 7th in the Western Conference playoff standings. New Orleans is eight games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference playoff race.
In sum, New Orleans has NBA metrics of 13th for scoring offense, 9th for field goal percentage, 4th for 3-point field goal percentage, 21st for free throw percentage, and 13th for offensive rebounding. While on defense, the Pelicans have NBA metrics of 8th for scoring defense, 7th for field goal percentage permitted, 2nd for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 8th for defensive rebounding.
PF Zion Williamson leads the Pelicans with 22.9 points and 5.8 rebounds per contest. His career average is 24.8 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. Consider that Williamson has had an injury-plagued career but made 70 starts this year. Also, SF Brandon Ingram averages 20.8 points and 5.7 assists per game. Ingram has averaged 20 points or more per game in the past five seasons. He was a 2020 NBA All-Star.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. New Orleans Pelicans SBG Free Pick
On the whole, Oklahoma City was the more consistent value this season.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. New Orleans Pelicans SBG Best Bet: Oklahoma City Thunder.