The New Orleans Pelicans will officially kick off their 2024 NBA Playoffs journey against the Oklahoma City Thunder this evening. Game 1 of the first-round contest sees the hosts enter as huge betting favorites, but can the Pelicans defy the odds in back-to-back games?
Tipoff for Game 1 is slated for 8:30 p.m. CT from the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. TNT will carry the national broadcast.
Oklahoma City (57-25) coasted into the NBA Playoffs with a 7-3 record in its last 10 games. This hot streak boosted the Thunder into the Western Conference's top spot heading into the playoffs. This could prove to be a pivotal advantage with home court throughout — where Oklahoma City is 33-8 on the season — for this young squad.
Meanwhile, New Orleans (49-33) limped into the postseason via the NBA Play-In Tournament. Injuries to Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson disrupted the team's chemistry heading into the playoffs as they slipped down the standings. Luckily for Willie Green's team, the players stepped up under the brightest lights against the Sacramento Kings.
FanDuel Sportsbook lists the Thunder as 8.5-point favorites with the over/under set at 215.5.
Let’s take a closer look at the odds and trends:
New Orleans Pelicans at Oklahoma City Thunder
Time/TV: 8:30 p.m. CT (TNT)
Spread (from FanDuel Sportsbook): Thunder -8.5
Total: 215.5
Moneyline: Thunder -370, Pelicans +295
Analysis: To say it's a big night in Oklahoma City would be an understatement. It's the first time the Paycom Center will host an NBA Playoff game under its new name, and the first time the city has seen playoff basketball since 2019.
The Pelicans and Thunder met three times in the regular season with the latter taking two wins. Oklahoma City had the largest win of the year in the series, a 107-83 victory in January. New Orleans' lone win came on the road, though.
While that fact and the recent win over the Sacramento Kings are enough to give the Pelicans hope, they have their work cut out for them in this opening series. Williamson was the one individual who truly provided a mismatch that swung New Orleans' way. Otherwise, the Thunder have the better starting five, better bench depth and a better coach.
All of this is to say there's a reason Oklahoma City is a -650 favorite to win the series. The Pelicans will keep it competitive, but I don't see the Thunder losing the franchise's biggest game in the last five seasons with its new face (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander) averaging more than 30 points per game this year.
Prediction: Thunder 110, Pelicans 99 (Under 215.5)
Best bet: Thunder -8.5 (-114 via FanDuel Sportsbook)