The New Orleans Pelicans will fight for their playoff lives on Saturday when they host the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3, with OKC leading the series 2-0.
| Pointspread | -1.5 -110 |
| Moneyline | -120 |
| Over / Under | o +209.5 |
| Pointspread | +1.5 -110 |
| Moneyline | +100 |
| Over / Under | u +209.5 |
Oklahoma defended home court in both the first two games of the series, and therefore hold a precious 2-0 lead against New Orleans. Whereas Game 1 might have been a case of a young team – the Thunder – struggling with playoff inexperience, there were no such issues in Game 2, which they took 124-92.
The NBA playoff odds believe the Thunder will win but with in a tight game. They’re favoured at -1.5.
Thunder vs. Pelicans NBA Betting Odds
With no wins so far in the series and no Zion Williamson to back them up, it’s not looking good for the Pelicans. Even so, the odds for OKC to wrap up the series in a clean sweep are not that steep at +170. A five-game series is +150, and the series going to six games takes a huge bump to +600. To put New Orleans’ situation into perspective, them winning in seven is an incredible +1800.
There isn’t much history to speak of here since neither of these teams have a ton of recent playoff experience. The Thunder were ousted in the Play-In Tournament last season, as were the Pelicans (by OKC, no less). Two years ago New Orleans faced off against the Phoenix Suns (sans Zion) and lost in six. They lost game 3 to go down 2-1 in that series, but would eventually tie it with a win in Game 4.
As far as injuries are concerned, only one name is on everyone’s lips (and keeps getting shown on tv, sitting on the bench): New Orleans’ Zion Williamson.
Oklahoma City Thunder
In hindsight, Game 1 was the baptism by fire. As amazing as Oklahoma had been throughout the regular season, there was something discombobulated about their performance in the first match. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to the rescue in the end, but there were mild concerns.
Based off Game 2, all the nerves have been washed away. While the Pelicans didn’t allow the game to get completely out of hand after a disastrous first quarter, eventually OKC pulled away for a comfortable 124-92 win. The Thunder were beguilingly efficient from the floor, hitting 59 per cent of their shots. Their shooting from beyond the arc was ruthless at 48.3 per cent. Shai led his side with 33 points, including a few “how did he do that?!?” moments. Chet Holmgren is coming into his own with a fine Game 2 (26 points) and Luguentz Dort, who had been a little quiet lately, finished with 15 points, including a 4-for-6 night from three. Jalen Williams is also keeping up where he left off in the regular season.
New Orleans Pelicans
Even though neither the Pelicans nor Thunder looked great in Game 1, one could argue that a nervous number one seed was the opportunity that beckoned New Orleans. That was the moment to strike and perhaps head home with a split (Maybe a 2-0 lead? Unlikely, but we’ll never know).
But the moment passed. Or rather, Gilgeous-Alexander said the Pelicans shall not pass, and that bulldozed into a lopsided Game 2. It was a weird game in the sense that four of the team’s five starters reached double digits in points, but none hit at least 20. New Orleans defending its honour decently in the second and third quarters, but the first and last periods were so bad that it led to the 32-point loss. Brandon Ingram, Trey Murply III, CJ McCollum have their work cut out for them. Playing at home has not been kind to the Pelicans, who had lost six straight before vanquishing the Kings in the Play-In last week. They’ll need to rekindle the home court magic because right now they clearly look like the second best team on the court.
NBA Playoff Prediction: Who Will Win Thunder vs. Pelicans Game 3?
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
| time | fav | line | total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening 25 Apr 4:35am | NO | -1.5 -105 | O +211.5 -110 |
| Closing 27 Apr 9:37pm | NO | -19.5 -105 | O +197.5 -120 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Thunder Team Leaders
| Points |
30.05 |
| Assists |
6.2 |
| Rebounds |
7.9 |
| FG% |
58.3 |
| Steals |
2 |
| Blocks |
2.32 |
| Points |
22.87 |
| Assists |
5.67 |
| Rebounds |
8.79 |
| FG% |
57.3 |
| Steals |
1.39 |
| Blocks |
0.83 |
| Points |
30.2 |
| Assists |
6.4 |
| Rebounds |
7.2 |
| FG% |
50 |
| Steals |
1.7 |
| Blocks |
2.5 |
| Points |
17.75 |
| Assists |
4.75 |
| Rebounds |
11 |
| FG% |
58.8 |
| Steals |
1.75 |
| Blocks |
1.5 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Pelicans Team Leaders
| Points |
30.05 |
| Assists |
6.2 |
| Rebounds |
7.9 |
| FG% |
58.3 |
| Steals |
2 |
| Blocks |
2.32 |
| Points |
22.87 |
| Assists |
5.67 |
| Rebounds |
8.79 |
| FG% |
57.3 |
| Steals |
1.39 |
| Blocks |
0.83 |
| Points |
30.2 |
| Assists |
6.4 |
| Rebounds |
7.2 |
| FG% |
50 |
| Steals |
1.7 |
| Blocks |
2.5 |
| Points |
17.75 |
| Assists |
4.75 |
| Rebounds |
11 |
| FG% |
58.8 |
| Steals |
1.75 |
| Blocks |
1.5 |
Injuries
Josh Giddey (SG)
Luguentz Dort (SG)
Jaylin Williams (PF)
Isaiah Joe (PG)
Gordon Hayward (SF)
Luguentz Dort (SG)
Bismack Biyombo (C)
Jaylin Williams (PF)
Gordon Hayward (SF)
Lindy Waters III (SF)
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (PF)
Cody Zeller (PF)
Zion Williamson (PF)
Naji Marshall (PF)
Larry Nance Jr. (SF)
Naji Marshall (PF)
Larry Nance Jr. (SF)
Zion Williamson (PF)
Jose Alvarado (PG)
Brandon Ingram (SF)
Injuries
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Giddey (SG) | Prob Sun | Hip - 12 / 04 / 24 | 8-4 | 3-9 | + - |
|
Giddey missed the previous contest with a right hip contusion, but it is forecasted that he will suit up Sunday against the Mavericks. |
|||||
| Luguentz Dort (SG) | Out Wed | Rest - 10 / 04 / 24 | 9-4 | 3-10 | + - |
|
Dort will not play against the Spurs on Wednesday as he will receive a day of rest. |
|||||
| Jaylin Williams (PF) | Prob Wed | Back - 10 / 04 / 24 | 9-4 | 3-10 | + - |
|
Williams has a lower-back contusion, but it is likely that he will dress for Wednesday's matchup with the Spurs. |
|||||
| Isaiah Joe (PG) | Prob Sun | Ankle - 06 / 04 / 24 | 9-6 | 5-10 | + - |
|
Joe is expected to be in Sunday's lineup versus the Hornets despite a right ankle sprain. |
|||||
| Gordon Hayward (SF) | Prob Wed | Leg - 05 / 04 / 24 | 9-7 | 6-10 | + - |
|
Hayward has missed the last two contests with left leg soreness, but it is expected that he will face the Spurs on Wednesday. |
|||||
| Luguentz Dort (SG) | Prob Tues | Nose - 24 / 03 / 24 | 12-11 | 10-13 | + - |
|
Dort was removed from the previous game with a nasal contusion, but it is anticipated that he will be available for Tuesday's matchup with the Pelicans. |
|||||
| Bismack Biyombo (C) | Prob Fri | Undisclosed - 06 / 03 / 24 | 13-18 | 13-18 | + - |
|
Biyombo exited the last game with an unknown issue, but it is not expected to affect his status for Friday's clash against the Heat. |
|||||
| Jaylin Williams (PF) | Prob Fri | Knee - 01 / 03 / 24 | 15-19 | 14-20 | + - |
|
Williams has been absent the previous two matchups due to a left knee sprain, but it is likely that he will play Friday against the Heat. |
|||||
| Gordon Hayward (SF) | Prob Thurs | Calf - 11 / 02 / 24 | 20-20 | 19-20-1 | + - |
|
Hayward has missed the previous two games due to left calf strain, but it is likely that he will suit up Thursday versus the Clippers. |
|||||
| Lindy Waters III (SF) | Ques Tues | Ankle - 06 / 02 / 24 | 20-22 | 21-20-1 | + - |
|
Waters III is hampered by a left ankle strain, and it has yet to be determined if he will play the Jazz on Tuesday. |
|||||
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (PF) | Prob Mon | Ankle - 27 / 04 / 24 | 0-2 | 1-1 | + - |
|
Jeremiah is dealing with a left ankle sprain, but he is expected to available against the Thunder in Game 4 of the Western Conference first round. |
|||||
| Cody Zeller (PF) | Prob Sat | Face - 24 / 04 / 24 | 1-2 | 1-2 | + - |
|
Zeller is managing a facial injury, and he will expected for Game 3 of the Western Conference first round versus the Thunder. |
|||||
| Zion Williamson (PF) | Early May | Hamstring - 17 / 04 / 24 | 1-2 | 1-2 | + - |
|
Williamson is sidelined with a left hamstring strain, and he will remain idle for at least two weeks. |
|||||
| Naji Marshall (PF) | Prob Sun | Shoulder - 12 / 04 / 24 | 3-4 | 3-3-1 | + - |
|
Marshall sat out the last contest with a left shoulder contusion, but it is anticipated that he will face the Lakers on Sunday. |
|||||
| Larry Nance Jr. (SF) | Prob Sun | Personal - 11 / 04 / 24 | 3-4 | 3-3-1 | + - |
|
Nance has missed the last two games dealing with a personal matter, but it is predicted that he will participate in Sunday's tilt against the Lakers. |
|||||
| Naji Marshall (PF) | Prob Thurs | Shoulder - 05 / 04 / 24 | 4-6 | 5-4-1 | + - |
|
Marshall has missed the last two games due to a right shoulder injury, but it is anticipated that he will suit up Thursday against the Kings. |
|||||
| Larry Nance Jr. (SF) | Prob Fri | Undisclosed - 04 / 04 / 24 | 4-6 | 5-4-1 | + - |
|
Nance exited the previous match with an unknown injury, but it is predicted that he will suit up Friday versus the Spurs. |
|||||
| Zion Williamson (PF) | Prob Sun | Finger - 04 / 04 / 24 | 4-6 | 5-4-1 | + - |
|
Williamson missed the last clash with a left middle finger contusion, but it is not expected to affect his status against the Suns on Sunday. |
|||||
| Jose Alvarado (PG) | Prob Sun | Oblique - 27 / 03 / 24 | 5-9 | 7-6-1 | + - |
|
Alvarado has been idle with a right oblique strain, but it is anticipated that he will return against the Suns on Sunday. |
|||||
| Brandon Ingram (SF) | Prob Sun | Knee - 21 / 03 / 24 | 7-11 | 8-9-1 | + - |
|
Ingram has been sidelined with a bone contusion in his left knee, but he is expected to return against the Lakers on Sunday. |
|||||
-
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
time fav line total Opening 25 Apr 4:35am NO -1.5 -105 O +211.5 -110 Closing 27 Apr 9:37pm NO -19.5 -105 O +197.5 -120 -
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Thunder Team Leaders
Points 30.05
Assists 6.2
Rebounds 7.9
FG% 58.3
Steals 2
Blocks 2.32
Points 22.87
Assists 5.67
Rebounds 8.79
FG% 57.3
Steals 1.39
Blocks 0.83
Points 30.2
Assists 6.4
Rebounds 7.2
FG% 50
Steals 1.7
Blocks 2.5
Points 17.75
Assists 4.75
Rebounds 11
FG% 58.8
Steals 1.75
Blocks 1.5
-
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Pelicans Team Leaders
Points 30.05
Assists 6.2
Rebounds 7.9
FG% 58.3
Steals 2
Blocks 2.32
Points 22.87
Assists 5.67
Rebounds 8.79
FG% 57.3
Steals 1.39
Blocks 0.83
Points 30.2
Assists 6.4
Rebounds 7.2
FG% 50
Steals 1.7
Blocks 2.5
Points 17.75
Assists 4.75
Rebounds 11
FG% 58.8
Steals 1.75
Blocks 1.5
-
Injuries
Josh Giddey (SG)
Prob Sun Hip - 12 / 04 / 24Luguentz Dort (SG)
Out Wed Rest - 10 / 04 / 24Jaylin Williams (PF)
Prob Wed Back - 10 / 04 / 24Isaiah Joe (PG)
Prob Sun Ankle - 06 / 04 / 24Gordon Hayward (SF)
Prob Wed Leg - 05 / 04 / 24Luguentz Dort (SG)
Prob Tues Nose - 24 / 03 / 24Bismack Biyombo (C)
Prob Fri Undisclosed - 06 / 03 / 24Jaylin Williams (PF)
Prob Fri Knee - 01 / 03 / 24Gordon Hayward (SF)
Prob Thurs Calf - 11 / 02 / 24Lindy Waters III (SF)
Ques Tues Ankle - 06 / 02 / 24Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (PF)
Prob Mon Ankle - 27 / 04 / 24Cody Zeller (PF)
Prob Sat Face - 24 / 04 / 24Zion Williamson (PF)
Early May Hamstring - 17 / 04 / 24Naji Marshall (PF)
Prob Sun Shoulder - 12 / 04 / 24Larry Nance Jr. (SF)
Prob Sun Personal - 11 / 04 / 24Naji Marshall (PF)
Prob Thurs Shoulder - 05 / 04 / 24Larry Nance Jr. (SF)
Prob Fri Undisclosed - 04 / 04 / 24Zion Williamson (PF)
Prob Sun Finger - 04 / 04 / 24Jose Alvarado (PG)
Prob Sun Oblique - 27 / 03 / 24Brandon Ingram (SF)
Prob Sun Knee - 21 / 03 / 24Injuries
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Josh Giddey (SG) Prob Sun Hip - 12 / 04 / 24 8-4 3-9 + - Giddey missed the previous contest with a right hip contusion, but it is forecasted that he will suit up Sunday against the Mavericks.
Luguentz Dort (SG) Out Wed Rest - 10 / 04 / 24 9-4 3-10 + - Dort will not play against the Spurs on Wednesday as he will receive a day of rest.
Jaylin Williams (PF) Prob Wed Back - 10 / 04 / 24 9-4 3-10 + - Williams has a lower-back contusion, but it is likely that he will dress for Wednesday's matchup with the Spurs.
Isaiah Joe (PG) Prob Sun Ankle - 06 / 04 / 24 9-6 5-10 + - Joe is expected to be in Sunday's lineup versus the Hornets despite a right ankle sprain.
Gordon Hayward (SF) Prob Wed Leg - 05 / 04 / 24 9-7 6-10 + - Hayward has missed the last two contests with left leg soreness, but it is expected that he will face the Spurs on Wednesday.
Luguentz Dort (SG) Prob Tues Nose - 24 / 03 / 24 12-11 10-13 + - Dort was removed from the previous game with a nasal contusion, but it is anticipated that he will be available for Tuesday's matchup with the Pelicans.
Bismack Biyombo (C) Prob Fri Undisclosed - 06 / 03 / 24 13-18 13-18 + - Biyombo exited the last game with an unknown issue, but it is not expected to affect his status for Friday's clash against the Heat.
Jaylin Williams (PF) Prob Fri Knee - 01 / 03 / 24 15-19 14-20 + - Williams has been absent the previous two matchups due to a left knee sprain, but it is likely that he will play Friday against the Heat.
Gordon Hayward (SF) Prob Thurs Calf - 11 / 02 / 24 20-20 19-20-1 + - Hayward has missed the previous two games due to left calf strain, but it is likely that he will suit up Thursday versus the Clippers.
Lindy Waters III (SF) Ques Tues Ankle - 06 / 02 / 24 20-22 21-20-1 + - Waters III is hampered by a left ankle strain, and it has yet to be determined if he will play the Jazz on Tuesday.
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (PF) Prob Mon Ankle - 27 / 04 / 24 0-2 1-1 + - Jeremiah is dealing with a left ankle sprain, but he is expected to available against the Thunder in Game 4 of the Western Conference first round.
Cody Zeller (PF) Prob Sat Face - 24 / 04 / 24 1-2 1-2 + - Zeller is managing a facial injury, and he will expected for Game 3 of the Western Conference first round versus the Thunder.
Zion Williamson (PF) Early May Hamstring - 17 / 04 / 24 1-2 1-2 + - Williamson is sidelined with a left hamstring strain, and he will remain idle for at least two weeks.
Naji Marshall (PF) Prob Sun Shoulder - 12 / 04 / 24 3-4 3-3-1 + - Marshall sat out the last contest with a left shoulder contusion, but it is anticipated that he will face the Lakers on Sunday.
Larry Nance Jr. (SF) Prob Sun Personal - 11 / 04 / 24 3-4 3-3-1 + - Nance has missed the last two games dealing with a personal matter, but it is predicted that he will participate in Sunday's tilt against the Lakers.
Naji Marshall (PF) Prob Thurs Shoulder - 05 / 04 / 24 4-6 5-4-1 + - Marshall has missed the last two games due to a right shoulder injury, but it is anticipated that he will suit up Thursday against the Kings.
Larry Nance Jr. (SF) Prob Fri Undisclosed - 04 / 04 / 24 4-6 5-4-1 + - Nance exited the previous match with an unknown injury, but it is predicted that he will suit up Friday versus the Spurs.
Zion Williamson (PF) Prob Sun Finger - 04 / 04 / 24 4-6 5-4-1 + - Williamson missed the last clash with a left middle finger contusion, but it is not expected to affect his status against the Suns on Sunday.
Jose Alvarado (PG) Prob Sun Oblique - 27 / 03 / 24 5-9 7-6-1 + - Alvarado has been idle with a right oblique strain, but it is anticipated that he will return against the Suns on Sunday.
Brandon Ingram (SF) Prob Sun Knee - 21 / 03 / 24 7-11 8-9-1 + - Ingram has been sidelined with a bone contusion in his left knee, but he is expected to return against the Lakers on Sunday.