Thunder Survive Scare, Eye 2-0 Lead
Pelicans vs Thunder Preview
The Oklahoma City Thunder were pushed to their limits against the New Orleans Pelicans in Game 1 on Sunday.
Our Pelicans vs Thunder preview looks at how each team recovers from that torrid game, which went back and forth.
We have NBA playoffs prediction for the big Game 2 in Oklahoma on Wednesday.
Pelicans vs Thunder 
Day/Time:
Location: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
So Close, Yet So Far
Losing an NBA game in dramatic circumstances can either bring a team together or make them give up.
For the Pelicans sake; they hope it’s the latter after losing Game 1 by only two points, with CJ McCollum attempting a game winner in the dying seconds.
However, as it stands, the Pelicans face a 1-0 deficit, and they need to bounce back to square the series against the Thunder.
They need to do it with Zion Williamson, and they missed him on Sunday. It was a rare low-scoring performance for the Thunder, so if the Pelicans had Williamson, they likely would have scored enough to win.
We’re not surprised to see the Pelicans as betting underdogs with NBA finals odds. They are on the road against the top seed in the Western Conference, and we have a sneaky feeling losing Game 1 in that fashion will work against them.
Our Pelicans vs Thunder preview takes everything into account, and we have seen this situation before. NBA teams that almost steal a win on the road often struggle in Game 2 because they put so much effort into the first game.
They deserve to be underdogs, but we’re not writing them off completely.
Thunder to Compose and Regather
The Thunder were given an almighty scare in Game 1, so they need to compose themselves.
Luckily, they have a couple of days to recoup and get back to what they do best. We were impressed with Chet Holmgren, who came up with a huge block in the last minute.
The Rookie of the Year nominee also made a clutch free throw in the final minute, so he’s proving that he can handle the big time.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was solid without being amazing. If he’s anywhere near his best in Game 2, the Pelicans don’t stand much chance of keeping it close this time around.
Most NBA picks have Thunder to win outright, but they failed to cover the spread on Sunday. It will take a more concentrated effort to see bettors cash on Wednesday.
Many critics believe the Thunder are too young, but that’s what also makes them exciting.
“I’ve heard that all year. It’s not going to change. We’re still young [and] probably [will] be young for another four or five years. We don’t worry about it. We focus on [our preparation],” Gilgeous-Alexander said.
The Thunder are -8 favorites, which is a fair line given they have home court.
Thunder to Roll in Game 2
The Thunder are shortening favorites and we’re not surprised.
They should come out with more urgency in Game 2, and they won’t want to give home home court advantage that easily.
Having been given a scare in Game 1, that would work in their favor. It could reinvigorate the Thunder, who know it won’t be easy to get past the Pelicans.
Our Pelicans vs Thunder preview also includes over 213.5. We expect many more points, as the shots should start dropping for the star NBA players.
The total could move throughout the week to around 215. We suggest locking in the early line and snapping up the value, because the Pelicans and Thunder are high scoring teams, and Game 1 was an anomaly.
For NBA betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
