OKC Thunder vs. New Orleans Pelicans: Recreation Preview, Harm Report, Betting Odds – Sports activities Illustrated

The Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder are taking up the New Orleans Pelicans in what needs to be a repeat of final yr's first spherical sequence that the OKC Thunder dominated.
The Thunder have already downed the Pelicans twice this season, as New Orleans is struggling by way of a season to neglect in 2024-25 crammed with disappointment and mounting accidents.
Oklahoma Metropolis seems to run by way of the end line with simply three extra video games to play earlier than the NBA All-Star Break, boasting a 42-9 document with a 7.5 sport cushion on the No. 2 seeded Memphis Grizzlies.
The Thunder enter the day as 14.5-point favorites towards the New Orleans Pelicans, and the full over/below is 234.5 factors.
The Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder ought to have the ability to deal with the lowly New Orleans Pelicans, however one of the best ways to make sure that is with optimistic shot variants. With the OKC Thunder coping with no Isaiah Joe, the Thunder will want its complimentary items to have a loud 3-point sport.
Chet Holmgren will play simply his second sport since Nov. 10 and after one sport to get his sea-legs again, the seven-footer will proceed to be below the microscope. The Thunder heart appeared glorious on the defensive finish and now the hope is for the offense to return round.
The Thunder have to start out quick, particularly on the defensive finish. Refuse to let the opposition settle into the sport, don’t let the Pelicans get sizzling from 3-point land and achieve confidence to make this a sport. With the shortage of New Orleans high quality guard play, if Oklahoma Metropolis can pressure an abundance of turnovers, it is going to all be over however the crying for the Bourbon Avenue ballers.
Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder (42-9) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (12-40)
Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder
New Orleans Pelicans
Take a look at  later right this moment for an up to date harm report.
Monday, February 9, 2025 at 7:00 PM CT
Paycom Middle – Oklahoma Metropolis, OK
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The Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder are internet hosting the lowly New Orleans Pelicans within the third to final sport earlier than the NBA All-Star Break. The Thunder ought to have the ability to deal with the Pelicans and proceed to rack up wins.
Up subsequent, the OKC Thunder host the Miami Warmth on the entrance finish of a back-to-back contained in the Paycom Middle on Wednesday.
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Rylan Stiles is a credentialed media member overlaying the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder. He hosts the Locked On Thunder Podcast, and is Lead Beat Author for Contained in the Thunder. Rylan can be an award-winning play-by-play broadcaster for the Oklahoma Sports activities Community. 
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