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The OKC Thunder have returned to the playoffs for the first time since the 2019-2020 season. General manager Sam Presti, during the Thunder's rebuilding phase, said the team’s aim was not for a mere playoff appearance but an “arrival.” Now, as the No. 1 seed in the tightly contested Western Conference, heavy expectations rest on their shoulders.
Their opponents, the New Orleans Pelicans, secured a playoff spot by defeating the Sacramento Kings in the final Play-In Tournament game in the Western Conference.
The availability of Pelicans star Zion Williamson remains uncertain after he suffered an injury following a 40-point performance against the LA Lakers in their first Play-In game. Meanwhile, the Thunder will be at full strength with the return of MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and star sophomore Jalen Williams before the regular season’s conclusion.
There is a rivalry brewing between the two teams, as they clashed in last season's Play-In Tournament, with the Thunder emerging victorious, 123-118.
The Thunder-Pelicans series promises to be an intriguing matchup between two young teams looking to make a splash in the playoffs.
New Orleans Pelicans vs OKC Thunder 2024 NBA Playoffs first-round series preview
The Thunder had the second-best net rating in the regular season at 7.3, while the Pelicans were sixth with 4.6. OKC ranked third in offensive rating and fourth in defensive rating, while the Pelicans were 11th and sixth, respectively.
The Thunder and Pelicans met three times this regular season, with the Thunder winning two out of the three matchups.
In their first meeting, the Pelicans secured a 110-106 victory, even without Brandon Ingram.
The Thunder dominated the second game with a 107-83 win, with Ingram returning but Zion Williamson sidelined.
In their third encounter, Williamson's 29 points and 10 rebounds were not enough for the Pelicans as they fell 119-112. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Josh Giddey combined for 75 points in that game.
The absence of Williamson could significantly impact the first-round series. The Pelicans had a 7-5 record without him this season.
His absence might force the Pelicans to rely heavily on Jonas Valanciunas for a frontcourt punch. Valanciunas struggled against the Thunder in their previous matchups, failing to reach double-digit rebounds in the last six regular season games and practically getting played off the court in their latest game.
The Thunder's core players could prove too much for New Orleans, especially with home-court advantage. However, the Pelicans have defensive tools like Herb Jones, Trey Murphy and Ingram to potentially disrupt OKC's stars.
New Orleans Pelicans vs OKC Thunder depth charts
New Orleans Pelicans depth chart
* - Injured
OKC Thunder depth chart
New Orleans Pelicans vs OKC Thunder 2024 NBA Playoffs first-round series prediction and odds
The Thunder are favored to win. The series is likely to end in five games, with Oklahoma City winning but New Orleans possibly taking one game. However, it seems unlikely for the series to extend to six or seven games, especially with Williamson sidelined.
The series odds for the OKC Thunder and the New Orleans Pelicans, according to FanDuel Sportsbook, are as follows:
- Thunder to sweep the series: +330
- Thunder to win in five games: +210
- Thunder to win in six games: +430
- Thunder to win in seven games: +450
The Pelicans' odds for the series outcome are:
- Pelicans to sweep the series: +4700
- Pelicans to win in five games: +2500
- Pelicans to win in six games: +1000
- Pelicans to win in seven games: +1600
New Orleans Pelicans vs OKC Thunder series schedule
- Game 1: Pelicans vs. Thunder; Sunday, April 21 (9:30 p.m, TNT)
- Game 2: Pelicans vs. Thunder; Wednesday, April 24 (9:30 p.m., TNT)
- Game 3: Thunder vs. Pelicans; Saturday, April 27 (3:30 p.m., TNT)
- Game 4: Thunder vs. Pelicans; Monday, April 29 (TBD, TBD)
- Game 5: Pelicans vs. Thunder; Wednesday, May 1 (TBD, TBD)*
- Game 6: Thunder vs. Pelicans; Friday, May 3 (TBD, TBD)*
- Game 7: Pelicans vs. Thunder; Sunday, May 5 (TBD, TBD)*
