NBA

Thunder vs Pelicans

Can the underdogs shock a league-leading giant?

Oklahoma City Thunder

Thunder (67-14) VS Pelicans (21-60)

Apr 13, 2025 | 15:30 ET | Smoothie King Center

New Orleans Pelicans
Moneyline Pick: Oklahoma City Thunder (-700) - B

Oklahoma City enters this matchup riding an impressive winning stretch, while the New Orleans Pelicans continue to struggle, hampered by the absence of key players and already out of playoff contention. With postseason positioning still up for grabs, the Thunder’s balanced attack and consistent execution offer a decisive edge, especially given their strong form in past meetings.

This is a spot to back the heavy favorite. Though the payout may be limited, the high probability of success earns this pick a B grade—reliable and well-suited for bettors prioritizing consistency over risk. Expect Oklahoma City to stay sharp and take care of business on home court.

Over/Under Pick: Over 235, (+105) - B

The Oklahoma City Thunder enter this matchup riding a four-game win streak, showcasing one of the league’s most potent offenses. Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans are navigating a short skid and missing key contributors, particularly on the defensive end. With playoff positioning nearly secured for the Thunder, they’ll aim to stay sharp, while the Pelicans play the spoiler role in front of their home crowd.

Both teams have the tools to put up points, and the Thunder’s high-octane attack is poised to push the tempo. The conditions are ripe for a high-scoring clash, making the Over a compelling option in what could be an entertaining shootout.

Spread Pick: New Orleans, +12 (-105) - B

Despite enduring a rough losing streak, the New Orleans Pelicans return home aiming to challenge a powerhouse Oklahoma City Thunder squad closing in on top playoff seeding. While OKC holds the clear edge in record and recent form, they enter this one with minor rotational setbacks, which could open the door for a tighter contest than expected. New Orleans has fared well in this matchup before and will look to tap into that energy as underdogs.

Backing the Pelicans to cover a double-digit spread comes with caution, but there’s reason to believe they’ll fight to the final buzzer. Expect a more competitive battle than the standings suggest—one that could deliver both tension and entertainment.

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