A 12 months in the past, the Thunder and Pelicans confronted each other on comparatively even footing. The 2 younger Western Convention foes battled within the No. 9 vs. No. 10 Play-In recreation, and Oklahoma Metropolis got here out forward, 123-118. Within the 12 months since then, New Orleans has discovered itself in a comparatively comparable place. As a substitute of combating for a spot within the Play-In, the Pelicans have certainly reached the playoffs because the No. 8 seed.
However the Thunder? They’ve grown up fairly a bit extra. Oklahoma Metropolis simply turned the youngest No. 1 seed in NBA historical past, and the Thunder could have a significant benefit on this recreation due to the absence of Zion Williamson. The Pelicans are used to enjoying with out their All-Star. Doing in order an underdog towards a 57-win staff is one other matter totally.
So can New Orleans give you a technique to outlive Williamson’s absence? Or will the Thunder take management of this collection at residence? This is every thing that you must find out about Thunder vs. Pelicans.
Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder vs. New Orleans Pelicans
- Date: Sunday, April 21 | Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Paycom Heart — Oklahoma Metropolis
- TV channel: TNT
- Odds: Thunder -8.5; O/U 214.5
Storylines
Thunder: Chet Holmgren has by no means performed a playoff recreation. Jalen Williams has by no means performed a playoff recreation. Josh Giddey has by no means performed a playoff recreation. Cason Wallace has by no means performed a playoff recreation. Mark Daigneault has by no means coached a playoff recreation. There are advantages to youth, however the inexperience right here is important. The Pelicans haven’t solely reached the playoff stage, however executed so (and competed towards a former Finals staff within the 2022 Phoenix Suns) with out Williamson. The Thunder will alter to the postseason stress. Will it’s in Recreation 1? Or will it take time?
Pelicans: The Pelicans had no drawback filling in for Williamson towards the Kings on Friday. They did so by means of their outstanding depth, as six totally different Pelicans scored in double-figures. That is all nicely and good towards Sacramento, however the Thunder are one other matter. Who’s going to step up and be the star towards Oklahoma Metropolis? Is Brandon Ingram wholesome sufficient to take action? Can Jonas Valanciunas bully the youthful, skinner Holmgren? Will Trey Murphy get away as a starter? Somebody has to do it. If Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the one All-NBA-caliber participant on this collection, the Pelicans will lose it.
Prediction
It has been awhile since we have heard an Oklahoma Metropolis playoff crowd. If that you must bear in mind what one feels like, simply stick an airhorn inside a megaphone and place it proper subsequent to your eardrum. That crowd goes to energy the younger Thunder by means of any rising pains, and Oklahoma Metropolis will take Recreation 1. The Decide: Thunder -8.5
