Barry Recks
In a crucial matchup that will determine the season for both teams, the Oklahoma City Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans Play-In tournament game gives all the signs to be an unforgettable clash to start the postseason in the right track.
Read on for more about this Thunder vs Pelicans matchup in the 2022-23 NBA Play-In Tournament, including the latest odds, pick, and prediction to win this showdown, as brought to you by JefeBet. Also, don’t forget to check out the other NBA game previews here to help you make the best betting decisions.
Predictions, Odds, and Betting Preview for the Oklahoma City Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans Play-In Tournament on April 12, 2023
- Where: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA
- When: Wednesday, April 12, 2023, 9:30 PM ET
- NBA Betting Odds: View NBA Odds
Betting on the Oklahoma City Thunder
- Regular Season Record: 40-42
The Thunder concluded their regular season with a 40-42 record to steal an unlikely spot in the Play-in Tournament. Oklahoma City wasn’t viewed for most of the season as a playoff contender, but the Bolts are now just two wins away from locking up a guaranteed spot in the 2023 NBA Playoffs.
After 82 games, the Thunder managed to post a +1.1 point differential, having averaged 117.5 points per game and allowed 116.4 points per contest. The Thunder are led by an explosive offensive talent in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is averaging 31.4 PPG on an incredible 51.0 FG% despite a high usage.
Rookie Jalen Williams has also become a breakout talent for the Thunder, especially in the latter portion of the NBA regular season. Williams has put up 13.5 points on 47.8 FG% in his last four outings. As a team, the Thunder are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games versus the Pels.
Betting on the New Orleans Pelicans
- Regular Season Record: 42-40
The Pelicans will not have Zion Williamson for at least this matchup versus the Thunder, but they still will be led by the duo of CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram. Both those guys are very much capable of taking over offensively for the Pelicans, who finished the regular season with an average of 117.5 points per game. McCollum put up 20.9 PPG in the regular season, while Ingram mustered 24.7 PPG.
They expect to get help from the likes of Trey Murphy, Jonas Valanciunas, and Herbert Jones. Valanciunas will play a key role because of his rebounding prowess. He finished the regular season with 10.2 RPG while also being so efficient on offense with 14.1 PPG on 54.7 FG%. Although they are coming off a 113-108 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves last Sunday, the Pels have covered the spread in five of their last six games after suffering a loss.
JefeBet Prediction
Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, and Josh Giddey lead the way for the Thunder with decent outside shooting and their abilities to break down defenses with their individual playmaking talents.
Prediction: Thunder wins, 119-117.
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