Pelicans vs. Thunder, 12/31/20 NBA Fantasy News & Betting Predictions

Pelicans vs. Thunder Thursday Prediction

The Pelicans opened as a 4.5-point road favorite tonight in OKC but now New Orleans is a 5.5-point fave versus the host the Thunder at 8:00 p.m. ET. With the total sitting at 215.5, what’s the best bet to cash tonight at Chesapeake Energy Arena?

Game Snapshot

521 New Orleans Pelicans (-5.5) at 522 Oklahoma City Thunder (+5.5); o/u 215.5

8:00 p.m. ET, Thursday, December 31, 2020

Venue: Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, OK

TV: N/A

New Orleans Pelicans DFS Spin

Zion Williamson scored 20 points on 9-of-13 shooting on Tuesday, but he did little else with 2-of-6 free throws, two boards and one steal in 29 minutes during an ugly loss to Phoenix. The Pelicans' lack of interest in babying Zion this season was never more evident than the start of the fourth quarter. With the Pelicans trailing by 39 points, coach Stan Van Gundy left Williamson in the game for a few minutes, surrounded by reserves. This game was a disaster for the Pelicans fantasy-wise, so at least he managed to help out in the scoring and FG% categories.

Oklahoma City Thunder DFS Spin

George Hill (neck spasms) isn't on OKC's injury report prior to Thursday's game vs. New Orleans. The Thunder started Shai Gilgeous-Alexander alongside Isaiah Roby, Lu Dort, Justin Jackson and Darius Bazley on Tuesday, but Hill should slot right back into his starting role with minutes in the mid-20s. Deploy him as usual.

Pelicans vs. Thunder Betting Prediction

Pelicans are winless at the betting window in their last four meetings with the Thunder and have covered just twice in their last six road games versus OKC. New Orleans is also just 1-6 against the spread in its last seven road games, is 1-6 against the number in its last seven games overall and have not covered in six straight games when facing an opponent with a losing record.

On the other side, the Thunder have covered in six of their last seven home games, are 4-1 against the number in their last five games overall and are 35-16 at the betting window in their last 51 games as an underdog.

NBA BETTING PREDICTION: OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER +5.5