NBA Predictions: New Orleans Pelicans vs. Oklahoma City Thunder 2/2/18

Pelicans vs. Thunder Pick

Can the Oklahoma City Thunder bounce back from last night’s loss when they take on the New Orleans Pelicans at 9PM ET?

According to oddsmakers at YouWager, the Thunder are favored at home, as they are getting odds of -5 points against the Pelicans. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 221.5 points. Oklahoma City has won five of the last seven meetings with New Orleans, but the Pelicans won the lone meeting this season at home, 114-107, on Nov. 20. Tonight’s game takes place from the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

The Thunder are coming off a 127-124 loss at Denver last night. They have lost their last two and are playing their third game in four days. OKC is now 30-22 overall, 19-7 at home and 22-30 against the spread. The Thunder are averaging 106.5 points per game at home while allowing 102.5 per contest on defense. Their defense tightens up at home, allowing just 100.9 per game. Russell Westbrook is averaging 25.4 points, 9.4 rebounds and 10.3 assists per game to lead the Thunder. He had an interaction with a fan last night after the loss which could possibly lead to discipline from the NBA. Paul George is adding 21.8 points per game for OKC.

The Pelicans have lost two straight, losing at home to the Clippers and Kings. New Orleans is now 27-23 overall, 13-12 on the road and 25-24-1 against the spread. The Pelicans are averaging 110.8 points per game on offense this season while allowing 110.7 per game on defense. The team is still reeling after losing DeMarcus Cousins to a season-ending Achilles injury. He was averaging 25.2 points and 12.9 rebounds per game. New Orleans still has Anthony Davis, who is putting up 26.4 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. The Pelicans also just traded for Nikola Mirotic in hopes of making up for the loss of Cousins. He is averaging 16.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game this season.

Bet on Pelicans vs. Thunder

Evan with the trade for Mirotic, it will take time for the Pelicans to get on track with him in the mix. Oklahoma City should be motivated by returning home after last night’s loss. Westbrook will be amped up after the attention he received for pushing a fan last night. The Thunder have the better scoring talent and their defense is strong at home. I look for a big win tonight against the Pelicans. The public betting is nearly split, but I will trust OKC to cover.

 

NBA DAILY PREDICTION: OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER -5