Thunder vs Pelicans November 13th 2024

At 7:30 ET, the 3-8 New Orleans Pelicans will travel to Oklahoma City to take on the 9-2 Thunder. Oklahoma City is currently favored by 14.5 points and the over/under line is set at 221.

This Western Conference matchup will be played at Paycom Center and can be seen on ESPN.

Pelicans vs. Thunder Key Information

• Sport: NBA
• Teams: New Orleans Pelicans at Oklahoma City Thunder
• Where: Oklahoma City at Paycom Center
• Date: Wednesday, November 13th
• Betting Odds OKC -14.5, NO +708 | OKC -1107 O/U 221

The Pelicans Can Win If…

New Orleans fell to 3-8 on the season after a 107-105 home loss to the Nets on Monday. The Pelicans were +1.5 point underdogs and failed to cover the spread, losing by two. The game’s total of 212 points narrowly exceeded the 210.5-point line.

New Orleans went on a 10-0 run early, turning a 29-25 deficit into a 35-29 lead. They outscored Brooklyn 34-28 in the 2nd quarter and 29-27 in the 3rd, taking an 85-81 lead into the 4th. However, the Pelicans were outscored 26-20 in the final quarter.

Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 24 points and 9 assists in their loss to the Nets, scoring 10 points in the 1st quarter and 12 more in the 2nd. Yves Missi added 17 points, 11 of which came in the 3rd quarter, and shot 87.5% from the field.

As a team, the Pelicans shot 44.7% from the field and made 10 threes at a 33.3% clip, both below their season averages. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl contributed 15 points, with 7 in the 2nd quarter and another 4 in the 4th.

Defensively, the Pelicans were consistent, giving up 26 points in both the 1st and 4th quarters, and 28 in the 2nd, but still managed to hold the Nets to 107 points. New Orleans limited Brooklyn to 42% shooting from the field.

The Pelicans struggled to contain the Nets from beyond the arc, allowing 19 threes on 45% shooting. They sent Brooklyn to the line 19 times, where the Nets hit 16 free throws. New Orleans also recorded 13 steals and 4 blocks.

• In their last five games away from home, the Pelicans have a straight up record of 1-4 while going 0-5 vs. the spread. The team averaged 98 points per game in this stretch.
• Going back to their previous three games as the underdog, New Orleans has an ATS mark of 0-3 while going 0-3 straight up.
• Over their last five games, the Pelicans have an over/under record of 3-2 and are 0-5 vs. the spread.

The Thunder Can Win If…

The Thunder improved to 9-2 on the season with a 134-128 win over the Clippers on Monday. Playing at home, Oklahoma City was favored by 6.5 points but narrowly missed covering the spread. The game’s total points of 262.5 easily surpassed the O/U line of 218.5.

A key moment came when the Thunder went on a 14-0 run, stretching the score from 45-42 to 59-42. Although the Clippers fought back, outscoring the Thunder 41-33 in the 3rd quarter, Oklahoma City held on by edging the Clippers 35-34 in the 4th.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 45-point performance, shooting 61.9% from the field and hitting 4 threes at 50%, led the Thunder to a win over the Clippers. Jalen Williams added 28 points, shooting 68.8%, while Luguentz Dort contributed 19 points, also hitting 4 threes at 50%.

The Thunder connected on 18 threes, shooting 39.1% from deep, and finished with a 51.6% overall shooting percentage. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 13 points in the 3rd quarter, while Williams added 13 in the 4th.

Despite giving up 128 points, the Thunder managed to secure a win against the Clippers. Oklahoma City allowed 24 points in the 1st quarter and 29 in the 2nd, but their defense struggled in the 3rd, giving up 41 points, followed by 34 in the 4th.

The Clippers shot 55% from the field, including 54% from beyond the arc, where they hit 20 threes. The Thunder put the Clippers on the line 29 times, with 20 free throws made. Oklahoma City finished with 16 steals and 5 blocks.

• The Thunder are 4-1 ATS in their last home games and 4-1 straight-up.
• Through their last five matchups as the betting favorite, the Thunder have a good straight up record, but their ATS mark is just 2-3.
• In their last five games, the Thunder have an over/under record of 3-2 and are 2-3 vs. the spread.

The Lean

Not only do we have the Thunder winning this one by a score of 108-71, but we see them covering the spread. Our pick is to grab the Thunder at -14.5.

As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 221, and our model projects the Pelicans and Thunder to reach a combined total of 179 points. Our bet is on taking the under.

NBA Picks & Predictions from The Best Expert Handicappers

Pelicans and Thunder Battle Injuries, Lean on Young Talent for Stability

The New Orleans Pelicans and Oklahoma City Thunder both face a mounting injury toll as they prepare to face off Wednesday in Oklahoma City. With key players sidelined, both teams are forced to adjust, placing heightened responsibilities on young talent to keep their seasons on track. This matchup will test each team’s depth and adaptability in the face of ongoing adversity.

Injury Woes Hit Pelicans Hard

The Pelicans have endured a string of injuries that have shaken their lineup early in the season. Guard Jose Alvarado’s recent diagnosis—a left hamstring strain—has him sidelined for at least three weeks. Already pushed into a bigger role after the opening-night injury to starting point guard Dejounte Murray, Alvarado’s absence leaves the team scrambling for reliable playmakers.

“Jose is one of our emotional leaders,” Pelicans head coach Willie Green said. “Losing him on the floor is tough for us, not only for his skill but for his spirit.”

Beyond Alvarado and Murray, the Pelicans are missing several other key players, including Jordan Hawkins, Herb Jones, CJ McCollum, and star forward Zion Williamson. Williamson’s absence particularly affects the Pelicans’ scoring ability and defensive presence. After five consecutive losses and eight defeats in their last nine games, New Orleans is under pressure to find a new rhythm.

Rising to the Challenge: Brandon Boston

One of the Pelicans’ bright spots amid these injuries has been Brandon Boston. Recently acquired, Boston has stepped up to playmaker duties with impressive assists and strong defensive presence. In Monday’s loss to Brooklyn, he recorded 10 assists, seven rebounds, and three steals, though he struggled with shooting, scoring just seven points on 3-of-13 from the field.

Green praised Boston’s court vision and adaptability. “Brandon is taking full advantage of his opportunity,” Green noted. “You can see his ability to create open shots, defend, and help us rebound. He’s affecting the game in more ways than just scoring.”

Boston’s development is vital for New Orleans, as he helps carry the offensive load and improve ball movement. So far, he has posted an impressive 31 assists against only six turnovers, providing the Pelicans with some much-needed stability.

Oklahoma City’s Interior Woes: The Holmgren Effect

While the Thunder haven’t suffered injuries at the same rate as the Pelicans, their injury list includes pivotal interior players. The latest and most significant blow was a right hip fracture for Chet Holmgren, who is expected to miss at least two months. His absence impacts Oklahoma City’s defense and rebounding strength, especially as he was emerging as a critical player for the Thunder’s interior presence.

Before Holmgren’s injury, other big men—including Isaiah Hartenstein, Jaylin Williams, and Kenrich Williams—had already been sidelined. With the Thunder missing these players, they are left with a much smaller lineup and forced to adjust their playing style significantly.

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault emphasized his team’s resilience. “They’re highly competitive and want to win,” Daigneault said. “They’re gonna do whatever it takes and do it together.”

Rising Stars: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams

Monday’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers showed how the Thunder’s remaining players are adjusting. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams stepped up, combining for 73 points to secure a 134-128 victory. The pair’s chemistry and ability to carry the offensive load will be vital as the Thunder navigate this challenging period.

Williams, now effectively the Thunder’s starting center, praised the teamwork in adjusting to Holmgren’s absence. “We’re trusting each other to make plays,” Williams said. “It’s about stepping up for each other and finding ways to win.”

With this new lineup structure, Oklahoma City is playing faster and leaning more on its guards and forwards for scoring and defensive efforts. This shift may create vulnerabilities in their interior defense, but it also opens up opportunities for versatile offensive schemes that emphasize passing and floor spacing.

Team Resilience and Adaptability in Adversity

Both the Pelicans and Thunder are relying on resilience, depth, and emerging talent to navigate these injury-induced setbacks. Coaches Green and Daigneault have emphasized the importance of team spirit and competitiveness, hoping that these challenging circumstances will ultimately strengthen their teams for the long term.

For the Pelicans, Brandon Boston’s rapid development could provide them with a playmaking asset who complements stars like Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum when they return. Similarly, the Thunder’s adjustment to a smaller lineup can add versatility to their rotation, helping them match up better against quick, perimeter-oriented teams.

This game will test both teams’ adaptations to their new lineups and their ability to thrive despite missing key players. The outcome could offer insights into how they’ll continue to adjust throughout the season and whether their emerging talents can keep them competitive in the playoff race.