New Orleans Pelicans vs Oklahoma City Thunder Picks and Predictions April 13th 2025

Thunder Seek to Sharpen Skills, Not Just Win Total, in Finale vs. Pelicans

The Oklahoma City Thunder have already etched their name into the NBA history books this season, locking down the league’s best record at 67-14. With nothing on the line standings-wise, their focus for Sunday’s regular-season finale against the struggling New Orleans Pelicans isn’t about the scoreboard — it’s about staying sharp.

Looking to bet smart as the playoffs approach? Don’t miss the latest NBA expert picks and insights to stay one step ahead of the action.

Follow The Stats, Not The Hype—Use The Leaderboard As Your Guide.

Thunder Prioritize Habits Over Hardware

Though Sunday’s game won’t change playoff seeding, Oklahoma City head coach Mark Daigneault isn’t treating it like a throwaway.

“We’re just trying to build habits and improve our fundamentals,” Daigneault said. “We know those are the things that show up in every game, including playoff games.”

The Thunder have embraced a mindset of continuous improvement, which was evident in their 145-111 blowout of the Utah Jazz on Friday. Even without MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (shin contusion), Oklahoma City erupted for a season-high 46 first-quarter points and coasted to their 67th win — the most in franchise history.

Aaron Wiggins scored a career-high 35 points, while Isaiah Joe buried a personal-best 10 three-pointers en route to 32 points. Jaylin Williams delivered a rare triple-double with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists.

“We just want to keep getting better,” Daigneault added. “We want to do that with every opportunity all the way through the 82 games.”

All nine players who took the court Friday recorded at least one assist, contributing to a dazzling 41 assists on 56 made field goals — a testament to the team’s chemistry.

“It’s just a fun brand of basketball, and we do it all the time,” said Joe.

Pelicans Limp Toward Season’s End

While the Thunder are fine-tuning for a playoff run, the Pelicans (21-60) are just trying to reach the finish line. They suffered their worst loss in franchise history Friday night, falling 153-104 to Miami at home — their sixth straight defeat.

“This is tough,” Pelicans coach Willie Green said. “You feel for your guys out there fighting… but at the same time you’ve got to be able to go through some adversity.”

Injuries have decimated the roster, leaving only eight players available over the last two games. Despite the chaos, there have been flashes of hope. Jamal Cain has posted back-to-back career highs, and Elfrid Payton continues to dish out double-digit assists, doing so in five straight games.

Betting on Consistency This Postseason?

Rely on Trusted NBA Handicappers to Lead the Way!

Join Now!

This marks the third straight season that New Orleans ends its campaign against Oklahoma City — a team that has ended the Pelicans’ playoff hopes in each of the past two years, once in the play-in and once via a first-round sweep.

Why Gamble On Bad Advice? Trust The Best Handicappers Instead!

Final Tune-Up Before Thunder’s Title Chase Begins

Oklahoma City will enter the playoffs as the No. 1 seed with a target on their back — but their focus on fundamentals and team-first basketball has been a defining edge all season. Sunday’s matchup offers a final test of discipline against a depleted opponent — and a chance to reinforce the very habits Daigneault preaches.