'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAHAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUH/8QAFQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQP/2gAMAwEAAhADEAAAAMdilH//xAAhEAABAwQBBQAAAAAAAAAAAAACAQMEAAURExIUImGBkf/aAAgBAQABPwCFanLZbtsOWCzn3NPNgNesQDZlPJJ8wtFAuDpK51xLz7sm6efdf//EABgRAAIDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECAAMS/9oACAECAQE/ALlw5UT/xAAXEQADAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIR/9oACAEDAQE/AIt4f//Z'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The New Orleans Pelicans vs OKC Thunder matchup is one of the four 2024 NBA Playoffs games scheduled for Sunday. This will be the first game of their best-of-seven series. The two teams met three times in the regular season, with OKC winning the series 2-1. They last met on March 26, a game that the Thunder won 119-112.
On that note, let’s take a look at the New Orleans Pelicans vs OKC Thunder Game 1 preview, including the prediction, starting lineups and betting tips for April 21.
The Thunder hold a 42-32 all-time advantage against the Pelicans. This will be their first meeting in the playoffs. OKC won the most recent game between the two teams behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 24 points, eight assists and two steals. Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 29 points, 10 assists and three steals.
New Orleans Pelicans vs OKC Thunder preview, prediction, starting lineups, odds and betting tips
Game 1 of the New Orleans Pelicans vs OKC Thunder Western Conference first-round series is scheduled for Sunday, April 21, at Paycom Center. The game begins at 9:30 p.m. EDT and will be televised nationally on TNT. It will also be broadcast locally on Bally Sports OK and Bally Sports New Orleans. Fans can stream the game live on fuboTV and NBA League Pass.
Moneyline: Pelicans (+280) vs. Thunder (-352)
Spread: Pelicans (+8.5) vs. Thunder (-8.5)
Total (O/U): Pelicans -110 (o214.5) vs. Thunder -110 (u214.5)
Editor's note: The odds could change close to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.
New Orleans Pelicans vs OKC Thunder preview
The Pelicans start the playoffs on the road as the eighth seed after defeating the Sacramento Kings in the final play-in game. New Orleans ended the regular season with a 49-33 record. In the first play-in game, it lost 110-106 to the LA Lakers. Zion Williamson exited the game with a hamstring issue.
While the Pelicans were able to rally without Williamson against the Kings, the former No. 1 draft pick’s absence could prove damaging against the much-better Thunder.
The Thunder have home-court advantage after finishing the season at the top of the West with a 57-25 record. While great things were expected of the young core, they definitely arrived before time. They ended the season on a five-game win streak and will look to continue it on Sunday at home.
New Orleans Pelicans vs OKC Thunder starting lineups, subs and rotations
The Pelicans have just one name on the injury report but it is Zion Williamson (left hamstring). New Orleans coach Willie Green should start:
PG: CJ McCollum SG: Herb Jones SF: Trey Murphy III PF: Brandon Ingram C: Jonas Valanciunas
New Orleans’s key substitutes should be Jose Alvarado, Naji Marshall and Larry Nance Jr.
The Thunder have a clean bill of health for Game 1 of the series. OKC coach Mark Daigneault should start:
PG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander SG: Josh Giddey SF: Luguentz Dort PF: Jalen Williams C: Chet Holmgren
The Thunder’s key substitutes should be Jaylin Williams, Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins and Gordon Hayward.
Editor’s note: These are predicted starting lineups, which could change depending on the availability of players uncertain to play.
New Orleans Pelicans vs OKC Thunder betting tips
CJ McCollum has an over/under of 19.5 points. He averaged 20.0 points for the season and should score more than 19.5 points in Williamson’s absence.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has an over/under of 28.5 points. While it was known for the past few seasons that SGA was going to be a star, this was truly his breakout year in terms of leading a young team to the top of the West. Shai should show that leadership on Sunday and score more than 28.5 points.
New Orleans Pelicans vs OKC Thunder prediction
The Thunder are favored by the oddsmakers at home. They should get the win, especially with the gaping hole left in the Pelicans’ offense in the aftermath of Zion Williamson’s left hamstring injury. This series had the potential to be one of the best, but Williamson’s absence should make it easier for OKC. Expect the Thunder to cover the spread and the team total to be over 214.5 points.
Guess the Bulls players in this quiz and it's not going to be easy!
