The New Orleans Pelicans got a much-needed win against the San Antonio Spurs last night but will be right back at it again tonight on the road in Oklahoma City.
The Pels were able to snap their four-game losing streak, but will once again be shorthanded tonight against the Thunder, hoping someone can step up as CJ McCollum did last night when he dropped 40 on the Spurs.
The Thunder are one of the surprise teams this season with a 14-18 record and just two games out of the final play-in spot. They have won three in a row and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been playing like an All NBA’er this season, so this won’t be an easy one on the road for the Pels.
New Orleans won a tight game against OKC the last time they played, but Zion Williamson was in the lineup, which he won’t be tonight. Can the Pels get a tough, shorthanded win on the road?
Here is everything you need to know.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Oklahoma City Thunder: Odds and Spread, Over/Under
The Pels are actually two point underdogs tonight against the Thunder, with the money lines at +110 for New Orleans and -130 for Oklahoma City.
The over/under is 233, about as high as it has been this season, which makes sense, as these are two of the highest-scoring offenses in the NBA and they also allow a combined 229 points on average.
It was a low-scoring affair the last time these two played, and with the Pels shorthanded and on the second game of a back-to-back, the under might be the best play.
Pelicans injury report: Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram injury update
Brandon Ingram is still out with a sprained toe, which has to be concerning for the Pelicans at this point, as he has had a couple of setbacks. Zion Williamson will be out again tonight with an illness and Larry Nance Jr. is likely to sit for New Orleans as well.
The Thunder will be missing Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Ousmane Dieng.
New Orleans Pelicans vs OKC Thunder: Prediction
Two things have to happen for the Pels to steal this one on the road. The first is that they have to at least slow down Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, which they were unable to do in the first meeting.
The second is that New Orleans needs someone other than CJ McCollum to have a big game. This would be a great night for Trey Murphy III or Jonas Valanciunas to have a monster game or for a wild card like Jaxson Hayes to go off in extended minutes off the bench.
I like the Pels to get out to a hot start like they did last night and then hold on in a close one down the stretch.
New Orleans 115, Oklahoma City 110
How to watch Pelicans vs Thunder
The game will be broadcast on Bally Sports New Orleans at 7:00 PM CT or you can listen on WRNO 99.5 FM.
How to stream Pelicans vs. Thunder
Steaming options are available on FUBO.TV or NBA League Pass if you live out of market.
*Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.