Thunder Against the Spread | Expect a Better Showing from OKC in Game 2

Tip-Off: 8:30 PM CT

Location: Paycom Center (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)

Spread: Thunder (-7.5)

Total: 212

Trends Against The Spread

Thunder	vs.	Pelicans
46-36-1 (56%)	All	46-38-1 (54%)
27-15 (64%) at home	Location	25-17-1 (59%) on the road
35-27 (56%) as favorite	Status	21-11-1 (65%) as underdog or pick
23-13 (63%) as home favorite	Location Status	15-6-1 (71%) as road underdog
2-2 (50%)	Head To Head	2-2 (50%)

Trends Against The Total

• OKC has hit the over 55% of the time this season.
• New Orleans has hit the over 42% of the time this season.
• The Thunder are 21-20-1 against the over at home this season.
• The Pelicans are 16-26-1 against the over on the road this season.

Team Stats (Playoffs only)

TEAM	PTS	PA	FG%	3P%	REB	AST	TOV	STL	BLK	STRK	L10
NOP	92.0	94.0	38.5	28.2	52.0	22.0	14.0	7.0	6.0′	L1	0-1
OKC	94.0	92.0	43.5	31.3	44.0	21.0	13.0	5.0	7.0	W1	1-0

Injury Report

Thunder

• NONE

Pelicans

• Zion Williamson is OUT (strained left hamstring).

Series History

The Thunder went 2-1 against the New Orleans Pelicans in the regular season series (0-1 at home, 2-0 on the road).

The Thunder are 1-0 in the playoffs against the New Orleans Pelicans (1-0 at home, 0-0 on the road).

Why the Thunder Will Cover (-7.5)

Game 1 felt like the best chance for the Pelicans to steal a game in OKC. The Thunder shot well below their average, and while New Orleans did as well, it was far more surprising from OKC because of how open many of the looks were. Chalk it up to inexperience and initial playoff jitters because I fully expect the Thunder to bounce back with a more complete showing in Game 2. The Pelicans will also likely shoot a better percentage than they did in Game 1, but I’m still feeling good about a bounceback performance from OKC.

Why the Game Will Hit the Over (212)

Game 1 didn’t come anywhere near hitting the point total. While both teams were locked in on defense, both teams also shot towards the bottom end of their capabilities. I expect an uptick in scoring as both squads make some adjustments, but I especially expect the Thunder to settle in and be more prepared for the playoff atmosphere. Now that these young fellas have a whole game under their belts, it makes sense that they will have a better idea of what to expect, allowing them to get back into the flow of the game.

Staff Picks

On the Season

Name	Moneyline	Spread	Over/Under
Matt	47-33	40-39-1	34-45
Zack	58-25	43-39-1	39-44
Craig	50-19	35-33-1	29-39