Oklahoma City Thunder (57-25) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (49-33)
As the NBA Playoffs march on, fans and bettors alike are turning their attention to the 1st Round Game 3 showdown between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the New Orleans Pelicans. Scheduled for Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 3:30 PM ET, this clash at the Smoothie King Center promises high stakes and high drama. With the Thunder having a strong regular season record and the Pelicans not far behind, this matchup is ripe for those involved in the best online betting.
The Oklahoma City Thunder team encountered great success in the regular season which led it to a 57-25 win. They show the highest score in the league, 120.1 points per game, supported by great field goal accuracy, 49.9%. The offensive efficiency is not different from this, as they have average 38.9% three-point-shooting success. Defensively, they force 42 rebounds per game and excel with 8.5 steals and 6.6 blocks, displaying their ability to stonewall opponents’ plans.
The New Orleans Pelicans with a winning percentage of 60%, compared to the fellow 49-33 winning team, will also display their strong statistics. They average 115.1 points and 48.6% shooting accuracy in their games. Of mention, their board game is outstanding, with them averaging 44 rebounds a game, that may play a role in controlling the speed of the game and the percentage of the ball. Given their 38.3% 3-point shooting accuracy, they can also match the foes in the scoring of long-ranged areas.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. New Orleans Pelicans Game Info
| When: | Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 3:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Smoothie King Center |
| TV: | TNT |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (PG) vs. Brandon Ingram (SF)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the fine point guard of the Thunder, in fact deserves the highest grade for his performance, keeping all the 75 games on the sidelines and averaging the career-best 30.1 points per game. Not only scoring power but more importantly he averages 6.2 assists and 5.5 rebounds per game, which implies all-round play. The defensive statistics of Gilgeous-Alexander are also excellent and an average of 2 steals and almost a block makes him a vital factor being both offensively and defensively in the game.
For the Pelicans it’s been Brandon Ingram who has been the lineup’s constant, with 20.8 points per game which he has achieved in 64 games. Although his scoring average may appear to be low compared with Gilgeous Alexander, Ingram has nevertheless presented his team with a versatile game by scoring 5.7 assists and 5.1 rebounds per night. He can facilitate the offensive end and contribute in defensive assignments. He averages 0.8 steals and 0.6 blocks per game. This makes him a multi-purpose player on the court.
Having these two crucial players go head to head will be the confrontation between Gilgeous-Alexander’s intense scoring and passing vs. Ingram’s smart and excellent gameplay. The role of a player in the matchup will greatly influence the speed of the game and consequently will be a key determinant in those critical moments.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
Currently, betting odds are still being finalized, but given the Thunder’s recent form and higher seeding, they might enter as slight favorites. However, the betting line could be very tight, reflecting the competitive nature of this matchup.
Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Trends
The Thunder are currently on a roll with a 5-game winning streak and they’re 4-1 against the spread since then as well. Despite their loss record being a little less impressive on the road, 19-21, they could play above the season average road performance due to the high stakes and the team momentum at the moment.
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Trends
Along with that, the Pelicans have shown their stability with 4-1 in the last five games and 3-2 in the ATS games. Their spread record at their away games is noteworthy at 23-17, hinting that they may thrive on the challenge of foreign surroundings which they consider as their natural habitat.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. New Orleans Pelicans 4/27/24 Betting Picks
Considering the form and firepower of both teams, this matchup promises to be closely contested. The Thunder’s slightly superior scoring and defensive metrics give them a narrow edge in this encounter. However, the Pelicans’ rebounding prowess and solid 3-point shooting capability could very well keep them in the game till the final buzzer.
In terms of picks, while the exact odds are TBD, a slight lean towards the Thunder might be advisable, considering their recent form and offensive efficiency. For those looking into prop bets, considering over total points could be a wise choice given both teams’ scoring abilities. Keep an eye out for the latest NBA Playoffs picks as the game day approaches.
