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The OKC Thunder took care of business at home in the first two games of their first-round series against the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2024 NBA playoffs. The Thunder are up 2-0 heading into Game 3 on Saturday afternoon at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.
Oklahoma City was rocking for Games 1 and 2, with the first one being a close 94-92 victory despite the absence of Zion Williamson for the Pelicans. The second game was a different story, as the Thunder dominated to get a 124-92 win and a 2-0 lead.
New Orleans has nothing left to lose considering their circumstances with Williamson, as well as Brandon Ingram. Williamson suffered a hamstring injury in their play-in matchup against the LA Lakers, while Ingram hasn't found his rhythm after recovering from a minor knee injury.
OKC Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans preview, prediction, odds and betting tips
The OKC Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans Game 3 is on Saturday at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.
It starts at 3:30 p.m. EST and will be nationally televised on TNT. It is also available through the local channels Bally Sports Okhaloma and Bally Sports New Orleans.
Moneyline: Thunder (-122) vs Pelicans (+102)
Spread: Thunder -1 (-111) vs Pelicans +1 (-111)
Total (O/U): Thunder o211 (-112) vs Pelicans u211 (-110)
OKC Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans preview
The OKC Thunder want to take complete control of the series just like the No. 2 and 3 seeds in the Western Conference. They might want to keep pace with the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are up 3-0 against the LA Lakers and the Phoenix Suns, respectively.
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans have nothing left to lose, so they remain a dangerous opponent., They played much better defense in Game 1, but the adjustment made by Thunder coach Mark Daigneault was soon on. Pelicans coach Willie Green will need to slow down Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
OKC Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans starting lineups, subs and rotation
The Thunder have no players on their injury report. Here's how Oklahoma City could line up against the Pelicans:
PG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | SG: Josh Giddey | SF: Lu Dort | PF: Jalen Williams | C: Chet Holmgren
Mark Daigneault's rotation for the postseason includes Cason Wallace, Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe. If the game is out of hand, players like Jaylin Williams, Kenrich Williams and Gordon Hayward get a chance.
The Pelicans will be without Zion Williamson for the fourth straight game and the third one against the Thunder. The Pelicans' starting five will likely be this one:
PG: CJ McCollum | SG: Herb Jones | SF: Trey Murphy III | PF: Brandon Ingram | C: Jonas Valanciunas
Willie Green's current rotation also includes Jose Alvarado, Naji Marshall and Larry Nance Jr.
OKC Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans betting tips
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has an over/under of 28.5 points, which is lower than his season average. SGA is a natural scorer who will get his points no matter what. While he may be favored to go under, go against the odds and place your bets.
Brandon Ingram is favored to go over 20.5 points against the Thunder. Ingram has no other choice but to score for his team because Zion Williamson is unable to play. Bet on Ingram to score at least 21 points.
OKC Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans prediction
The OKC Thunder are the slight favorites to win Game 3 against the New Orleans Pelicans. The Thunder have dominated the first two games, and the Pelicans will still be without Zion Williamson due to a hamstring injury.
Oddsmakers predict the Thunder to win the game and cover the spread and the total is expected to go over 211 points.
