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

The Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder are taking over the New Orleans Pelicans in what ought to be a repeat of final yr's first spherical collection that the OKC Thunder dominated.
The Thunder have already downed the Pelicans twice this season, as New Orleans is struggling via a season to overlook in 2024-25 full of disappointment and mounting accidents.
Oklahoma Metropolis seems to be to run via the end line with simply three extra video games to play earlier than the NBA All-Star Break, boasting a 42-9 report 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 entire over/underneath is 234.5 factors.
The Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder ought to be capable of deal with the lowly New Orleans Pelicans, however the easiest way to make sure that is with constructive 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 underneath the microscope. The Thunder middle regarded glorious on the defensive finish and now the hope is for the offense to return round.
The Thunder have to begin quick, particularly on the defensive finish. Refuse to let the opposition settle into the sport, don’t let the Pelicans get scorching 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 power an abundance of turnovers, it would all be over however the crying for the Bourbon Road ballers.
Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder (42-9) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (12-40)
Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder
New Orleans Pelicans
Take a look at  later as we speak for an up to date harm report.
Monday, February 9, 2025 at 7:00 PM CT
Paycom Middle – Oklahoma Metropolis, OK
FanDuel Sports activities Oklahoma, NBA League Go, 98.1 FM The Sports activities Animal
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 be capable of 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.
Need to be part of the dialogue? Like Thunder on SI on Fb and follow us on Twitter to remain updated on all the most recent Thunder information. It’s also possible to meet the team behind the protection.
Rylan Stiles is a credentialed media member masking 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. 
Comply with Rylan_Stiles
© 2025 ABG-SI LLC – SPORTS ILLUSTRATED IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ABG-SI LLC. – All Rights Reserved. The content material on this web site is for leisure and academic functions solely. Betting and playing content material is meant for people 21+ and is predicated on particular person commentators' opinions and never that of Sports activities Illustrated or its associates, licensees and associated manufacturers. All picks and predictions are options solely and never a assure of success or revenue. If you happen to or somebody you recognize has a playing downside, disaster counseling and referral providers will be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.

source