The
New Orleans Pelicans (3-8) and
Oklahoma City Thunder (9-2) meet Wednesday at Paycom Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the
Pelicans vs. Thunder odds and make our expert
NBA picks and predictions for the best bets. The Pelicans have been terrible with a 3-8 record to start the season, so this playoff rematch has lost a little luster. This game lost even more steam when Pelicans F
Zion Williamson went on the shelf earlier this week due to a hamstring injury which could cost him 4 to 6 weeks. G
Jose Alvarado , who started the last 7 games, suffered a hamstring injury during Monday’s 107-105 home loss to the Brooklyn Nets. He is expected to be sidelined for several weeks. Monday’s loss — as 1.5-point underdogs — was the Pelicans’ 5th in a row and 8th in the last 9. New Orleans is also 1-9 against the spread (ATS) in the previous 10 contests. OKC isn’t without injury issues as C
Chet Holmgren suffered a fractured hip in a 127-116 home loss to Golden State Sunday. The former Gonzaga star will be sidelined indefinitely. Without Holmgren, the Thunder struck for a 134-128 win Monday over the visiting LA Clippers last time out, pushing as 6-point favorites, while the Over (219) hit for the 4th consecutive time for the Thunder. F
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scorched the Clips for 45 points and 9 assists while hitting 4 triples. OKC is just 1-2-1 ATS in the past 4 games, but 7-3-1 through its 11 games this season. Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access
USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NBA odds. Lines last updated at 6:21 a.m. ET.
Pelicans at Thunder key injuries
For most recent updates:
Official NBA injury report .
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Prediction
The Thunder (-1200) were fine without Holmgren against the Clippers, and they should be fine against the injured-decimated Pelicans (+725), too. However, it’s not wise to risk 12 times the potential return on a standalone wager or as a part of a multi-leg parlay. There is just no value in that.
AVOID .
BACK OKLAHOMA CITY -14.5 (-
110 ) to cash at home, even though this is a big number. OKC is missing a big piece (Holmgren) in the middle, but so is NOLA. That’s a bit of a wash. The Thunder still have the electric SGA, while the Pellies do not have a dynamic scorer to take over the game.
OVER 221.5 (-
110 ) is worth playing lightly, but don’t get carried away. The Over has cashed in 4 consecutive Thunder games, with the offense going for 116 or more points, while allowing 124 or more points in 3 of those outings. The Pelicans have had problems scoring, but opponents are receiving very little resistance from them. New Orleans has allowed 115 or more points in 5 of the past 6 outings.
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