Thunder vs. Pelicans prediction, choose, Recreation 2 odds, TV channel, reside stream, tips on how to watch NBA playoffs on-line – CBS Sports activities

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander confirmed precisely why he is an MVP finalist after hitting the go-ahead bucket in Recreation 1’s win towards the Pelicans. At the same time as New Orleans regarded prefer it might steal the win away from OKC, Gilgeous-Alexander simply casually obtained off probably the most troublesome pictures you will see to place the Thunder up by two factors with simply over 30 seconds left within the recreation. It gave him 28 factors on the night time, and now the Thunder have an opportunity to go up 2-0 within the collection earlier than it heads south to New Orleans.
For the Pelicans, as valiant an effort as Recreation 1 was from them, particularly with out Zion Williamson, OKC confirmed why its the No. 1 staff within the West down the stretch of that recreation. It was a squandered alternative to place the strain on the Thunder on this collection, nevertheless it additionally confirmed that maybe the Pelicans have a greater shot on this matchup than folks predicted.
As we put together for Recreation 2 of this Thunder and Pelicans matchup, this is what you could know.
Thunder: Recreation 1 confirmed that maybe the Thunder will not be capable of stroll everywhere in the Pelicans. And whereas that is not typical for a 1/8 matchup, it will function a great take a look at for the younger OKC staff within the postseason. SGA delivered, so did Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren had a constructive postseason debut with 15 factors, 11 rebounds, 5 blocks and two assists, however the obvious weak spot right here is Josh Giddey. All season lengthy, Giddey has been the outlier in OKC’s beginning lineup. Certain, he offers the Thunder an extra ball handler subsequent to SGA within the backcourt, however his lack of ability to be an environment friendly soar shooter significantly hinders the Thunder. That might be an space the Pelicans exploit going ahead, which might result in the Australian guard getting moved to the bench.
Pelicans: Brandon Ingram has a poor displaying and New Orleans nonetheless nearly gained that recreation. That ought to be seen as a little bit of a constructive so long as Ingram is ready to get issues getting into Recreation 2. That ought to be the precedence for Wednesday night time’s recreation, getting Ingram going early, as a result of if he begins flattening his pictures, it will open issues up for New Orleans offensively. Trey Murphy III and CJ McCollum carried the load in Recreation 1, however they want Ingram to additionally pull up a chair to the desk if the Pelicans need to even up this collection.
The Pelicans put up a terrific battle, and this can be a bit extra balanced collection even with Williamson sidelined, however I am going with the Thunder to take a 2-0 lead. I do assume it will be one other shut contest, however I believe, finally, OKC is simply so good in high-pressure conditions that they’re going to pull out one other win. The Choose: Thunder -7.5
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