Oklahoma City Thunder (57-25) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (49-33)
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. New Orleans Pelicans Game 4 4/29/24 – As the NBA Playoffs unfold, the Oklahoma City Thunder and the New Orleans Pelicans prepare to clash in an exhilarating first-round matchup scheduled for Monday, April 29, 2024, at the Smoothie King Center. The Thunder, boasting a stellar 57-25 regular-season record, face off against the formidable 49-33 Pelicans in what promises to be a game loaded with exclusive premium matchup insights.
The Thunder have demonstrated themselves to be a force in the game as it was. The team has been leading with the impressive average of 120.1 points per game. It has been achieved through the stats, made of 44.5 field goals per game at shooting accuracy of 49.9%. Their dominance is not only on the offense, as they have superior statistics in every area, including 42% of boards and eight and a half steals per game. This team’s high-level effectiveness in shooting from beyond the three-point line with 38.9% make them quite a difficult and very good opponent to beat within this playoff series.
On one side, the Pelicans could thrive, given their ability to hang around the league’s best, averaging 115.1 points per game. They are strong in rebounding having 44 rebounds per game, but what is important is that they can use this as a means of controlling the pace in their match against the Thunder. The Pelicans have a slightly lower field goal percentage of 48.6% and rely on drawing fouls and making the free throws which could likely influence a narrow playoff game characterized by quick and harsh exchanges.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. New Orleans Pelicans Game 4 4/29/24 Game Info
| When: | Monday, April 29, 2024, at 9:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Smoothie King Center |
| TV: | TNT |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (PG) vs. Zion Williamson (PF)
The Thunder’s terrific point guard, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, has been nothing short of miraculous this season showing 30.1 points and 6.2 assists per game. The ability of him scoring and running is crucial and helps most in tough situations. Nevertheless, his turnover rate of 2.2 per match will become the major and predominant point to be improved, particularly while being surrounded by a high-pressure defense like the Pelicans’.
Zion Williams has been a finalist for the Pelicans, scoring 22.9 points and providing 5.8 rebounds per game for the team. With his scoring not as prolific as Gilgeous-Alexander’s, Zion’s ability to alter the game through his physicality and player versatility is sublime. His weakness will be in maintaining the ball and the challenge will be to take advantage of his strength over the rivals.
The on-court fight between the two players Gilgeous-Alexander and Williamson will be a pivotal moment. Gilgeous-Alexander’s perimeter play vs Williamson’s inside presence could set the pace and strategy of the game, so the matchup becomes a deciding factor as to any changes taking place in the dynamics of momentum.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
With betting odds yet to be determined, the focus remains on analyzing team strengths and recent performance trends. However, given the Thunder’s recent form, they might be slight favorites entering this game.
Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Trends
The Thunder head into the game with the energy of the wave. They are riding a 5 games winning streak and successfully covered the point spread in 4 out of 5 of their previous games. While the Lakers are currently 19 games above the .500 in their road games against the spread, their recent form evidence a high level of play that may very well go on in the playoffs.
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Trends
The Pelicans are also on fire, having won four of their last five games and losing just two ATS out of the same stretch. Their power on the road is several, with a 23-17 record against the spread, an evidence to how they manage to perform when under pressure and away from comforts of the home.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. New Orleans Pelicans 4/29/24 Betting Picks
Given the recent form and statistical analysis, the Thunder could be poised to take an advantage in this matchup, but it will be close. The Pelicans’ ability to rebound and draw fouls provides them with a significant edge that could upset the Thunder’s rhythm.
Choosing the right picks in this game will largely depend on the final odds and specific matchup adjustments. However, for those looking for free daily NBA Playoffs advice, keeping an eye on the spread and total points market will be crucial as both teams have potent scoring abilities.
Free Pick and Prediction: Oklahoma City Thunder 112, New Orleans Pelicans 108.