New Orleans Pelicans vs Oklahoma City Thunder Prediction & Picks - NBA

Prediction published on 4/22/24, 9:56 AM  by Will Chace | Modified on 4/22/24 at 5:56 PM in NBA Picks

The Oklahoma City Thunder drew first blood in their first round series with the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night thanks to a 94-92 win. Superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander proved instrumental in the Thunder’s first playoff victory since before the pandemic. The youngest team to secure a number one seed since seeding began in 1984, Oklahoma City have high hopes of postseason success. Yet they still have 3 more wins to go before they can dispatch New Orleans, who are weakened by an injury to a star of their own. Zion Williamson picked up a knock in their first Play-In Tournament game against the Lakers and diagnosed the big man with a left hamstring strain. His return date remains unknown, but Pelicans fans are hopeful he will be back in time to make an impact in this opening round. Game 2 will be the last chance for New Orleans to earn a road victory before the series shifts to Crescent City.