Pelicans vs. Thunder Predictions For NBA Play-In Game (April 12)

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in action during a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Arena on February 28, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Image Credit: Alex Goodlett/Getty Images

The NBA Play-In Tournament rolls on, as the Pelicans will host the Thunder on Wednesday, April 12. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:30 pm ET while airing on ESPN. The Pelicans enter this game as 5.5-point favorites with the total set at 228.5. How will this one play out? Let’s dive into the Pelicans vs. Thunder predictions below.

Pelicans vs. Thunder Odds

  • Spread: Pelicans -5.5
  • Total: 228.5

Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook. New to FanDuel? Check out our FanDuel Sportsbook Review to find out how to redeem a $1,000 risk-free bet!

Game Info

  • Date: Wednesday, April 12
  • Time: 9:30 pm ET
  • Location: Smoothie King Center – New Orleans, LA
  • TV: ESPN

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Pelicans Betting Trends

  • Pelicans are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS loss.
  • Under is 20-7 in Pelicans last 27 overall.
  • Pelicans are 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 games overall.

Thunder Betting Trends

  • Thunder are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games overall.
  • Under is 4-1 in Thunder last 5 road games.
  • Thunder are 10-4 ATS in the last 14 meetings.

Pelicans vs. Thunder Predictions

The Pelicans are 3-1 against Oklahoma City this season. However, none of those victories was by more than five points, which is the spread for this contest. We noticed on the first day of the NBA Play-In games that the road underdogs will come out fighting. That could be the case in this matchup too.

Oklahoma City thrived as a road underdog this season, holding a 19-11-3 record which comes out to a 63.3% cover rate. The Thunder have a knack for hanging around in games, and then letting superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander take them to the finish line in the fourth quarter. That should be the recipe for this game. Oklahoma City will keep it close, and the Thunder could have a shot to win it at the end. Take the points!

The Pick: Oklahoma City +5.5 | -110 at FanDuel Sportsbook