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Oklahoma City Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans Week 2 Betting Preview
The Oklahoma City Thunder look to stay perfect Sunday when they host the New Orleans Pelicans at Paycom Center. Tip-off is set for 3:30 PM local time. Oklahoma City enters 6-0, while New Orleans remains winless at 0-5.
The Thunder are again off to a hot start behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, averaging 34.2 points per game. Despite injuries to Chet Holmgren (back) and Jalen Williams (wrist), Oklahoma City leads the league in defensive rating at 104.1.
The Pelicans continue to search for rhythm under coach Willie Green. Rookie guard Jeremiah Fears has been a bright spot, but the team’s offense ranks near the bottom of the NBA. New Orleans nearly snapped its skid Friday, losing 126-124 to the Clippers on a buzzer-beater.
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Line Movement and Odds
Opening line: Thunder -11.5, Total 228.5
Current line: Thunder -12.5 (-111), Pelicans +12.5 (-110), Total 229.5
Public money is heavy on the Thunder after their 6-0 start, with roughly 70% of spread tickets favoring Oklahoma City. However, sharp bettors have played the under, pushing the total slightly down from an early 230.
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Matchup Breakdown
Oklahoma City Thunder Outlook
The Thunder continue to control pace and paint. They rank second in field-goal attempts per game and third in defensive efficiency. Gilgeous-Alexander’s midrange game remains unguardable, and Isaiah Joe’s return (20 points, five threes vs. Washington) adds spacing. Oklahoma City also leads the league in opponent turnovers forced (16.8 per game).
New Orleans Pelicans Outlook
The Pelicans are generating points inside, ranking sixth in two-point attempts. Zion Williamson has averaged 27 points in his last three games but needs more help from the backcourt. Defensively, New Orleans has limited opponents to 33% from three, but they continue to struggle defending in transition.
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Injuries and Conditions
Oklahoma City Thunder
- Chet Holmgren (back) – Questionable
- Jalen Williams (wrist) – Out
- Isaiah Joe (ankle) – Probable
New Orleans Pelicans
- Brandon Ingram (foot) – Out
- Trey Murphy III (knee) – Questionable
- Dyson Daniels (hip) – Probable
See full details on the Oklahoma City Thunder injury report and New Orleans Pelicans injury report
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Best Bets and Prediction
Oklahoma City has covered four of its last five home games. The Pelicans are 1-9 ATS in their last ten road contests. With both teams trending opposite directions, the Thunder’s balance and defensive efficiency should prevail.
Projected Score: Thunder 121, Pelicans 106
Best Bet: Thunder -12.5
Secondary Lean: Under 229.5
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