The New Orleans Pelicans (4-5) look to put an end to their five-game losing streak when they challenge the Oklahoma City Thunder (4-4) at Chesapeake Energy Arena. The game can be seen on NBATV at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, November 5, 2018.
Oklahoma City opened as a 4.5-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 238 points.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Prediction
The Pelicans are hoping to rebound after not being able to cover as 2-point underdogs in their 109-95 loss to the San Antonio Spurs in their last game. The combined points for the game (204) were well under the O/U total of 227. San Antonio’s 8.1 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over New Orleans, who had a mark of 15.1. The Spurs’ mark was better than their season average of 10.5, while the Pelicans’ was above their season average of 11.6. New Orleans’ Nikola Mirotic put together a good game, finishing with 22 points and 16 rebounds.
In the Thunder’s last matchup, they had no trouble getting past the Washington Wizards, 134-111, despite being 3.5-point underdogs. The combined points for the game (245) finished over the O/U total of 233. The Thunder made 21 of their 26 free throws (80.8 percent) and held the Wizards to an offensive rebounding percentage of 16.2 (below the 24.0 mark opponents have averaged against Oklahoma City this season). Russell Westbrook was Oklahoma City’s leading scorer with 23 points on 10-for-16 shooting from the field.
The Pelicans won two out of three meetings against the Thunder last season. In the most recent matchup, Oklahoma City won 109-104. Oklahoma City had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (27.5 vs. 15.9). New Orleans, meanwhile, had a better effective field goal percentage (0.524 vs. 0.479).
New Orleans holds records of 4-5 straight up (SU) and 4-5 against the spread (ATS). Of the Pelicans’ nine games, five have gone over the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma City is 4-4 SU and 4-4 ATS. Games including the Thunder have no tendency in regards to the projected point total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
The offensive glass should be a solid edge for Oklahoma City in this battle. The Thunder rank third in offensive rebounding percentage (27.2 percent), while New Orleans ranks 15th in defensive rebounding percentage (77.1 percent) since last season.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Thunder, ATS Winner – Pelicans, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Each team is strong when keeping the opposition to under 100 points, as New Orleans is 13-2 and Oklahoma City is 23-6.
The Pelicans are 53-29 when they score above 100 points, while the Thunder are 50-21.
New Orleans ranks second in assists per game (26.7) while Oklahoma City ranks 25th (21.1).
The Thunder average 9.2 steals per game, which ranks third in the league. The Pelicans rank 22nd in steals allowed per game (8.2).
Oklahoma City averages 15.2 second chance points per game, which ranks sixth in the NBA. New Orleans ranks 22nd in second chance points allowed per game (13.5).
The Thunder rank third in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.6) while the Pelicans rank 18th (17.4).
Oklahoma City averages 45.2 rebounds per game, which ranks 10th in the league. New Orleans ranks 19th in rebounds allowed per game (45.5).
The Thunder rank 12th in fast break points per game (15.1) while the Pelicans rank 19th in fast break points allowed per game (14.8).
New Orleans ranks sixth in points in the paint per game (53.4) while Oklahoma City ranks 10th in points allowed in the paint per game (44.1).
The Pelicans rank fifth in blocks allowed per game (4.3) while the Thunder rank eighth (4.6).
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