NFL Pickwatch - Oklahoma City Thunder at New Orleans Pelicans Player Props, Picks and Predictions

Oklahoma City Thunder at New Orleans Pelicans Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 12/7/2024 7:00 PM EST

We have your Oklahoma City Thunder at New Orleans Pelicans prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Oklahoma City Thunder hit the road to face the New Orleans Pelicans.

Oklahoma City Thunder at New Orleans Pelicans Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Oklahoma City Thunder -310 (ESPN BET) / New Orleans Pelicans +260 (BetMGM)
Best Spread Odds: 7.5 - Oklahoma City Thunder -115 (bet365) / New Orleans Pelicans -105 (bet365)
Best Total Odds: 225.0 - Under -110 (bet365) / 224.0 - Over -110 (Caesars)

Game Info

Date: 12/7/2024
Time: 7:00 PM EST
Location: Smoothie King Center (New Orleans, LA)
TV: NBA League Pass

Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Trends

On the road, the Oklahoma City Thunder have 8 wins and 3 losses this season.
As the favorite, the Oklahoma City Thunder have 16 wins and 5 losses this season.
Overall this season, the Oklahoma City Thunder have 17 wins and 5 losses.

New Orleans Pelicans Betting Trends

At home, the New Orleans Pelicans have 4 wins and 7 losses this season.
As the favorite, the New Orleans Pelicans have 3 wins and 14 losses this season.
Overall this season, the New Orleans Pelicans have 5 wins and 18 losses.

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

Over the past two seasons, the Oklahoma City Thunder and the New Orleans Pelicans have faced off eight times. In these matchups, the Thunder have emerged victorious in seven games, while the Pelicans have managed to secure just one win. The visiting team has had the upper hand, winning five of these encounters, compared to three wins for the home team. When it comes to covering the spread, Oklahoma City has been successful six times, whereas New Orleans has covered the spread twice. The games have predominantly leaned towards the under, with six games falling below the projected total, while only two games have gone over.

The most recent game between these two teams took place on November 13, 2024, where the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the New Orleans Pelicans with a final score of 106-88. The Thunder, playing at home, were favored with a point spread of -14.5 and successfully covered it, winning by an 18-point margin. Jalen Williams led the Thunder with 31 points, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander contributed 29 points. The Thunder's defense was a key factor, forcing 24 turnovers from the Pelicans and converting them into 34 fast break points. The Pelicans struggled offensively, shooting just 39.5% from the field, compared to the Thunder's 44.3%. Brandon Ingram was the leading scorer for the Pelicans with 18 points, while Yves Missi recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

In terms of overall performance in these matchups, the Thunder have consistently demonstrated strong defensive capabilities, as evidenced by their ability to force turnovers and limit the Pelicans' shooting efficiency. The Pelicans, on the other hand, have struggled to find offensive rhythm against the Thunder's defense, often resulting in lower shooting percentages and fewer points scored. The Thunder's ability to capitalize on turnovers and execute fast breaks has been a recurring theme in their victories. As these teams prepare to face each other again, the Thunder will likely aim to maintain their defensive pressure, while the Pelicans will need to find ways to improve their offensive execution to challenge Oklahoma City's dominance in this matchup.

Oklahoma City Thunder at New Orleans Pelicans Preview

The Oklahoma City Thunder, currently leading the Western Conference with an impressive 17-5 record, are set to face the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. The Thunder have been on a roll, winning five of their last six games, including a dominant 129-92 victory over the Toronto Raptors. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a key player for the Thunder, has been in stellar form, averaging 29.8 points per game and recently being named the Western Conference Player of the Month for November. His ability to score efficiently and lead the team has been instrumental in their success.

On the other hand, the New Orleans Pelicans have had a challenging season, with a record of 5-18. However, they recently snapped a nine-game losing streak with a narrow 126-124 win against the Phoenix Suns. Brandon Ingram's return from injury has been a significant boost for the Pelicans, as he scored 29 points in their latest victory. Despite their struggles, the Pelicans are starting to get healthier, with key players like CJ McCollum and Dejounte Murray back in the lineup, although Zion Williamson remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.

The Thunder have been particularly effective on the road, boasting an 8-3 record away from home. Their defense has been a cornerstone of their success, allowing only 104.1 points per game this season. In their previous encounter with the Pelicans on November 13, the Thunder's defense was pivotal, forcing 24 turnovers and converting them into 34 fast break points, leading to a convincing 106-88 victory. Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander were standout performers in that game, combining for 60 points.

As the Thunder prepare to face the Pelicans again, they will aim to replicate their defensive prowess and capitalize on any offensive lapses by New Orleans. The Pelicans, meanwhile, will need to find a way to break through the Thunder's defensive schemes and improve their shooting efficiency to stand a chance. With the Thunder's current form and the Pelicans' ongoing struggles, Oklahoma City will look to extend their dominance in this matchup.

Oklahoma City Thunder at New Orleans Pelicans Pick: Oklahoma City Thunder Moneyline

The Oklahoma City Thunder are poised to continue their impressive run as they face the New Orleans Pelicans. With a commanding 17-5 record, the Thunder have established themselves as one of the top teams in the league, currently leading the Western Conference. Their recent performances have been nothing short of dominant, highlighted by a resounding 129-92 victory over the Toronto Raptors. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a pivotal figure for the Thunder, has been in exceptional form, averaging 29.8 points per game and earning the Western Conference Player of the Month accolade for November. His leadership and scoring prowess have been instrumental in the Thunder's success.

On the other hand, the New Orleans Pelicans have struggled significantly this season, with a record of 5-18. Although they recently ended a nine-game losing streak with a narrow win against the Phoenix Suns, their overall form remains concerning. The Pelicans have faced challenges with injuries, notably missing Zion Williamson, which has impacted their ability to compete at a high level consistently. Despite the return of key players like Brandon Ingram, who scored 29 points in their latest victory, the Pelicans' offensive execution has been inconsistent.

The Thunder's defensive capabilities have been a cornerstone of their success, allowing only 104.1 points per game this season. In their previous encounter with the Pelicans on November 13, the Thunder's defense was a decisive factor, forcing 24 turnovers and converting them into 34 fast break points, leading to a convincing 106-88 victory. Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander were standout performers in that game, combining for 60 points. The Thunder's ability to capitalize on turnovers and execute fast breaks has been a recurring theme in their victories.

Given the Thunder's current form, their strong defensive record, and the Pelicans' ongoing struggles, Oklahoma City is well-positioned to secure another victory. The Thunder's ability to maintain defensive pressure and exploit the Pelicans' offensive lapses will likely be key factors in this matchup. With the Thunder's impressive road record and the Pelicans' challenges, Oklahoma City is the favored pick for the moneyline.

Oklahoma City Thunder at New Orleans Pelicans Top Player Prop Picks

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 30.5 Points -106 (FanDuel)

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been a dominant force for the Oklahoma City Thunder, averaging 29.8 points per game this season. His recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular, earning him the Western Conference Player of the Month for November. In the previous matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans, Gilgeous-Alexander contributed significantly with 29 points, showcasing his ability to exploit the Pelicans' defensive weaknesses. With the Thunder's offensive strategy heavily reliant on his scoring prowess, and considering the Pelicans' ongoing struggles, betting on Gilgeous-Alexander to exceed 30.5 points seems a prudent choice. His consistent scoring ability, coupled with the Pelicans' defensive lapses, makes this prop a compelling pick.

Brandon Ingram Over 18.5 Points -106 (BetRivers)

Brandon Ingram's return from injury has been a beacon of hope for the New Orleans Pelicans. In their recent victory over the Phoenix Suns, Ingram led the charge with 29 points, indicating his readiness to shoulder the offensive load. Despite the Pelicans' overall struggles this season, Ingram's scoring ability remains a constant. With the Thunder's defense likely focusing on limiting other key players, Ingram will have opportunities to capitalize on his scoring chances. Given his recent form and the Pelicans' need for offensive production, betting on Ingram to surpass 18.5 points is a strategic move, especially as he continues to regain his rhythm and confidence on the court.

Jalen Williams Over 21.5 Points -108 (FanDuel)

Jalen Williams has emerged as a crucial scorer for the Oklahoma City Thunder, averaging a career-high 21.7 points per game this season. In the previous encounter with the Pelicans, Williams was instrumental, leading the Thunder with 31 points. His ability to find scoring opportunities and his efficiency on the court make him a reliable option for this prop. The Pelicans' defense has shown vulnerabilities, and with the Thunder's offensive schemes designed to maximize Williams' scoring potential, betting on him to exceed 21.5 points is a sound decision. His recent performances and the Thunder's overall offensive momentum further bolster the case for this prop.