Oklahoma City Thunder vs. New Orleans Pelicans ATS Prediction

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The New Orleans Pelicans (14-15) and their great offense will be 1.5-point underdogs when they welcome the Oklahoma City Thunder (17-8) and their stifling defense. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 232 points and it can be seen on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 12, 2018.

Oklahoma City Thunder at New Orleans Pelicans ATS Odds

The Thunder will be looking for similar success after covering the 5-point spread against the Utah Jazz in their last game, 122-113. The Pelicans, meanwhile, were beaten by the Boston Celtics, 113-100, and were not able to cover as 2.5-point underdogs. The Oklahoma City game finished 17 points over the projected point total of 218, while the New Orleans game went 9.5 points under the projected point total of 222.5.

The Thunder knocked down 28 of their 39 free throws (71.8 percent), while the Jazz had a turnover percentage of 17.1 (above their season average of 13.8). New Orleans, meanwhile, did a terrific job of converting from the charity stripe (14-19; 73.7 percent). Anthony Davis had a good game for New Orleans, recording 41 points and seven rebounds. Meanwhile, Russell Westbrook led the way for Oklahoma City with 12 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists to notch his fifth triple-double this year.

In their first matchup this year, Paul George led the Thunder to a 122-116 victory. He recorded 23 points, 8 assists and 6 rebounds. The two teams combined for 238 points, which was just over the projected point total of 235.5, and Oklahoma City covered as a 4-point favorite. The Thunder’s turnover percentage was their largest advantage over the Pelicans. Oklahoma City had a rate of 10.1, while New Orleans posted a mark of 17.1.

Just over half of the Thunder’s games have finished under the total. Oklahoma City holds records of 17-8 straight up (SU) and 15-10 against the spread (ATS).

Of the Pelicans’ 29 games, 15 have finished over the projected point total. Additionally, New Orleans is 14-15 SU and 13-16 ATS.

Julius Randle has been superb as of late for New Orleans, averaging 26 points,10.8 rebounds over the last five games.

The game should be a showdown of strength against strength as the high-octane offense of New Orleans takes on the elite defense of Oklahoma City. The Pelicans rank fourth in offensive efficiency, while the Thunder are second in defensive efficiency.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. New Orleans Pelicans ATS Pick

Prediction: SU Winner – Pelicans, ATS Winner – Pelicans, O/U – Over

Betting Notes:

  • The Thunder average 31.36 three pointers per game, which ranks 15 in the league. The Pelicans rank 22 in three pointers allowed per game (32.724137931034484).
  • Oklahoma City ranks first in steals per game (10.4) while New Orleans ranks 25th in steals allowed per game (8.9).
  • The Pelicans rank second in assists per game (27.2) while the Thunder rank 21st (22.9).
  • Oklahoma City ranks sixth in fast-break points per game (16.2) while New Orleans ranks 20th in fast-break points allowed per game (14.2).
  • Oklahoma City averages 5.64 blocks per game, which ranks 10 in the NBA. New Orleans ranks 17 in blocks allowed per game (5.137931034482759).
  • The Thunder average 52.6 points in the paint per game, which ranks sixth in the NBA. The Pelicans rank 26th in points allowed in the paint per game (51.4).
  • The Thunder rank 2 in second chance points per game (15.92) while the Pelicans rank 13 in second chance points allowed per game (12.89655172413793).
  • Oklahoma City ranks 3 in rebounds per game (48.92) while New Orleans ranks 10 in rebounds allowed per game (43.793103448275865).
  • Oklahoma City ranks second in points off turnovers per game (21.6) while New Orleans ranks 21st (16.0).
  • In games where they allow below 100 points, Oklahoma City is 5-0 and New Orleans is 2-0.
  • When scoring above 100 points, the Thunder are 15-4 and the Pelicans are 14-14.
  • New Orleans is 7-7 ATS at home, while Oklahoma City is 7-5 ATS on the road.
  • The total has gone under in 8 of the Thunder’s 12 road games, while 8 of the Pelicans’ 14 home games have gone over.

Bettings Trends:

  • The Thunder are 3-2 ATS over their last five games, while the Pelicans are 2-3.
  • In their last five games, Oklahoma City has 4 overs and 1 under, while New Orleans has 3 unders and 2 overs.
  • The Thunder’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.2, up from 6.8 for the season.
  • During their last five games, the Pelicans have scored an average of 115.4 points per game (2.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 112.6 points per game (3.0 below their season average).