New Orleans Pelicans vs Oklahoma City Thunder Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 29/04/2024, 01:04  by Joseph King | Modified on 29/04/2024 at 12:30 in NBA Prediction

The Pelicans will attempt to avoid the sweep when they host the Thunder for game four of the Western Conference first round in the NBA Playoffs. It’s been a rough series for New Orleans who are staring down the gargantuan task of overcoming a 3-0 series deficit - something that no team in NBA history has ever managed to accomplish in 152 attempts. Failure to secure an automatic postseason qualification spot in the top six took its toll on the Pelicans. They had to play two games in the play-in tournament, the first of which saw star player Zion Williamson suffer a season-ending injury.

The Pelicans come into this game following a 106-85 defeat in game three in front of the home fans at the Smoothie King Center. It was the second double-digit loss of the series for the Pels, who suffered a heavy 32-point defeat in game two. This series might have been more competitive should New Orleans had taken advantage of their ample opportunities to win game one. As things stand it’s looking likely that their season will come to an end on Monday. The Pelicans simply haven’t been able to generate consistent offense without Zion on the court. They’re averaging an anemic 89.9 points per game with 92 marking their series high points scored in a game.

OKC come into this closeout game as the oddsmakers’ favorite on the road. It’s hard to argue against that estimation given the performances they have put forward so far. The Thunder have dominated the Pelicans in the last two games. In the game three victory, the Thunder shot 48% from the field and 47% from three while holding their opponents to just 38% shooting. Game two was a similar story as OKC shot a blistering 59% and 48% from deep. They have all of the momentum on their side and are currently riding an eight-game winning streak dating back to the end of the regular season.