Pelicans vs Thunder Picks: Make Under (223) Best Bet 11/13
- See how injuries to both teams impacts the Pelicans vs Thunder betting lines.
- Even with a big spread, the Thunder have a good chance of covering it.
- Check out all the NBA odds at the BetUS sportsbook.
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Even though injuries have contributed to the New Orleans Pelicans’ slow start to the season, their lack of success was not hard to predict. They will be on the road to face the Oklahoma City Thunder, who have been precisely what NBA predictions expected as one of the best teams in the Western Conference.
Both teams have been affected by injuries but have dealt with them differently. The Pelicans have lost five straight games, blowing a late lead to the Brooklyn Nets, losing 107-105 in their last game. However, the Thunder bounced back from hearing Chet Holmgren will be out for a while to beat the Los Angeles Clippers 134-128.
With how the Thunder are playing, they are the obvious choice to be favored in NBA spreads. That large spread does complicate picks, but it still tilts the game in favor of the Thunder.
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Pelicans vs Thunder Game Information
- Game: Pelicans (3-8) vs Thunder (9-2)
- Location: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
- Day/Time: Wednesday, Nov. 13, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Pelicans vs Thunder Live Stream: NBA Game Pass
Pelicans vs Thunder Betting Preview
1. Injuries Make it Hard to Pick New Orleans
Going into the season, the biggest concern about the Pelicans was that their roster featured no legitimate starting centers. Rookie Yves Missi has fit into that role and is coming off a career game against the Nets with 17 points and 11 rebounds.
However, it seems clear that the Pelicans’ roster is built for small-ball basketball, which could work when healthy. They are currently without Herbert Jones, CJ McCollum, Dejounte Murray and Zion Williamson, four projected starters.
However, the Thunder have also dealt with injuries, especially at the center position, Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren are out for an extended period, with the latter making NBA news after suffering a pelvic fracture on Sunday.
SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER TONIGHT:
45 POINTS
9 ASSISTS
5 STEALS
3 REBOUNDS
2 BLOCKS
61% FG
4/8 3PM
15/16 FTM🔥🔥🔥. (via @realapp_) pic.twitter.com/x1czm9W3Y6
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) November 12, 2024
That led the Thunder to switch to a crazy small starting lineup in their last game. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the starting point guard, was the tallest starter at 6 feet 6 inches. That was not the only news that Gilgeous-Alexander made in the win over the Clippers, putting up a career-high 45 points with nine assists.
The Thunder have shown that they are one of the best teams in the league, no matter what lineup they use. That makes it hard not to back them in NBA picks even with this large spread. They look like the best team in the West, plus they have the fewest points allowed (105.2) and defensive rating (102.8), which will be tough for an injured Pelicans roster.
2. Thunder Defense Makes Under Solid Bet
The loss of Holmgren will immediately hurt the Thunders’ elite defense. He has become one of the best rim protectors in the league, averaging 2.6 blocks per game. However, he was hardly the only reason this Thunder defense is one of the best in the league.
One part of the Thunder’s game plan that Holmgren’s absence will not affect is their perimeter defense. Per Pelicans vs Thunder stats, Oklahoma City averages the most steals at 12.4 per game, with four players having at least 1.5 steals per game. This Thunder defense thrives on the perimeter, constantly creating turnovers.
That will be a big issue for the Pelicans, who are struggling offensively without two of their top perimeter scorers. They are averaging 107 points, which is the third-lowest in the league. Their offensive rating is ranked the seventh lowest at 109.7.
The Pelicans’ lack of offense remains a big reason why it is hard to imagine them covering the large spread, but it also leans this game toward the under. Brandon Ingram is their only consistent scorer right now, averaging 22.9 points after scoring 24 in the loss to the Nets.
But if Ingram is slowed down, as he was in the second half of the last game, the Pelicans’ offense will be stagnant. Take the under in your NBA predictions today.
Questions of the Day
Who is going to lead this game in scoring?
After the performance that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander just had, he will continue to do that till the Thunder are healthy.
Is there a player prop to pay attention to?
Jalen Williams is a big part of the Thunder’s offense, so expect him to put up bigger scoring numbers and play a more prominent role because of injuries.
Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets.
