Pelicans vs Thunder Picks and Predictions: Ingram Continues to Step Up

With their combination of draft picks and young talent, the Oklahoma City Thunder and New Orleans Pelicans are set up to be Western Conference contenders in the near future – and we get a sneak peek tonight at what could be a budding rivalry.

The ahead-of-schedule Thunder continue to crash the party for a play-in spot in the West and are only two games back from the No. 6 seed. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a big reason for that and his 44-point clinic was enough to sink the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday.

The Pelicans have stabilized after a 10-game losing skid, winning three in a row before a 118-107 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers last time out. Like the Thunder, they’re currently sitting in a play-in spot, but Zion Williamson’s ongoing absence has hit New Orleans hard.

Get the lowdown on tonight’s matchup with our free Pelicans vs Thunder NBA picks and predictions.

Pelicans vs Thunder best odds

Pelicans vs Thunder picks and predictions

It’s not quite “no Zion, no problem”, but Brandon Ingram’s return from a lingering toe injury has given the New Orleans Pelicans a huge offensive jolt. Ingram has stepped into the void, scoring efficiently and creating good looks for his teammates (16 assists over his last two games).

As tempting as the SGA props are here given his prolific scoring run for the Thunder, I’m sticking with Ingram and his high ceiling tonight as New Orleans’ No. 1 bucket-getter. 

Against an OKC team that’s more than happy to run and gun in high-scoring contests, I expect Ingram to carry most of the burden for the visitors. In addition to Williamson’s absence, C.J. McCollum is questionable with an ankle injury – and that hints at even more touches for Ingram.

While the Thunder have long-armed defenders to throw at Ingram, including sturdy small forward Lu Dort, a 25-point night feels within reach for the former Laker.

OKC gave up 129 points in Portland on Friday, 130 points against the Lakers on Tuesday and 141 points against the Warriors last Monday. In short, teams are having no problem pouring in big totals against this Thunder defense.

Ingram has scored 25+ points in each of his last four games, capped by a 35-point game against the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this month. I see him having every opportunity to keep that streak going here.

My best bet: Brandon Ingram Over 24.5 points (-109)

Pelicans vs Thunder spread analysis

With Williamson out, there’s not a lot to choose between these two rosters – hence the short line. However, the Pelicans have stumbled enough times on the road to give bettors serious pause before picking them. They’re 9-18 overall away from Smoothie King Center this season and 1-5 ATS in their last six road contests.

In contrast, the Thunder are 16-11 at home and scored 153 points against the Houston Rockets in their last outing at Paycom Center. They’ve won three of their last four games overall and there’s plenty of depth behind Gilgeous-Alexander. Josh Giddey had 19 points and seven assists against the Trail Blazers and Dort was a perfect 6-for-6 from the field.

Still, SGA is the No. 1 factor for siding with the Thunder. This season, he’s soared into the rare air of the league’s Top 10 scorers (currently tied for fourth at 31 points a game) and he’s doing it effortlessly. His masterclass in Portland came on 13-for-16 shooting and 19 free-throw attempts. 

Pelicans vs Thunder Over/Under analysis

As I’ve established, the Thunder are no strangers to high-scoring shootouts. They’ve cashed in the Over in each of their last four games and there’s every reason to think they can get to the 130-mark again here.

The Pelicans are the bigger wildcard for this total tonight. New Orleans put up 136 points against the Kings last weekend, led by Trey Murphy III’s 30-point game, but Ingram & Co. were held to 107 points at home against the Cavaliers on Friday. There are certainly more variables with the visitors’ offense.

A line north of 235 speaks volumes for the offensive talent on show, and both teams should be fresher after two days off. Every win is priceless for these teams in a crowded Western Conference playoff picture but I don’t expect those stakes to turn this into a defense-first battle.

Pelicans vs Thunder betting trend to know

The Pelicans have had a tough time bouncing back after losses without Williamson in the line-up. They’re 1-5 ATS in their last six games after a SU defeat. Find more NBA betting trends for Pelicans vs. Thunder.

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