The OKC Thunder face the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday at the Smoothie King Center in a true clash of opposites, with the conference-leading Thunder going up against the last-placed Pelicans. Both teams enter this contest with contrasting results. In their previous game, the OKC Thunder recorded a 109-96 win over the Charlotte Hornets. Meanwhile, the Pelicans suffered a 124-106 loss against the Golden State Warriors. This will be the Pelicans’ second game in as many days, while the Thunder comes in with a full day of rest. 70% Win (110-25-1) 70% Win (110-25-1) 70% Win (110-25-1) Unlock Free tips from our Experts Get Picks Now OKC Thunder vs. New Orleans Pelicans Preview, Odds, Betting Tips and Prediction Moneyline: Thunder -3000, Pelicans +1200 Spread: Thunder -17. 5 (-110), Pelicans +17. 5 (-110) Total over/under (o/u): Thunder o225. 5 (-110), Pelicans u225. 5 (-110) *Editor’s note: Odds are subject to change closer to tip-off* OKC Thunder vs. New Orleans Pelicans preview The reigning champions have picked up right where they left off. They own the league’s best record at 13-1 and head into this matchup riding a five-game winning streak. In contrast, the New Orleans Pelicans sit at the bottom of the West with a 2-11 record and enter this matchup on a five-game losing skid. The Thunder have been one of the best well-rounded teams in the league, dominating on both ends of the court. They own the fifth-best offense at 121. 5 points per game and lead the NBA defensively, allowing just 106. 2 points. On the other hand, the Pelicans have struggled across the board. They rank last in scoring at 108. 4 points per game and generate the fewest assists in the league at 22. 8 per game. Their defense hasn’t been much better, sitting 24th and allowing 121. 3 points per game. With several key players sidelined, the Thunder have leaned hard on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The reigning MVP is averaging 32. 6 points per game and has led the team in scoring in 12 of their 14 games this season. The Pelicans have dealt with their own injury issues and have turned to Trey Murphy II for stability. He’s scored 55 points over his last two games and is averaging 19. 8 points, 6. 8 rebounds, and 3. 4 assists this season. The Thunder have the heavier injury load entering the matchup, with six players on the report. Thomas Sorber, Nikola Topic, Aaron Wiggins, Jalen Williams, and Kenrich Williams are all out, while Alex Caruso is listed as questionable. The Pelicans will be without Jordan Poole and Dejounte Murray, while Zion Williamson’s status remains day-to-day. OKC Thunder vs. New Orleans Pelicans predicted starting fives OKC Thunder predicted starting five PG- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, SG- Cason Wallace, SF- Luguentz Dort, PF- Chet Holmgren, C- Isaiah Hartenstein New Orleans Pelicans predicted starting five PG- Jeremiah Fears, SG- Trey Murphy III, SF- Herbert Jones, PF- Saddiq Bey, C- Kevon Looney OKC Thunder vs. New Orleans Pelicans betting tips Shai Gilegous-Alexander is projected to score over 30. 5 points after his 33-point outing on Saturday. He is averaging 32. 5 points per game. Trey Murphy III is expected to score over 16. 5 points after recording 20 points against the Warriors. He is averaging 19. 8 points per game. Isaiah Haretnstein is projected to collect over 10. 5 rebounds. He is averaging 11. 2 rebounds per game. OKC Thunder vs. New Orleans Pelicans prediction The Thunder enter as heavy -17. 5 favorites and are expected to cruise past the struggling Pelicans. With New Orleans shorthanded and SGA in top form, OKC should comfortably extend its winning streak to six games. Prediction: Thunder is likely to win by 10 points or more.
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OKC Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction and Betting Tips- Nov. 17 | 2025-26 NBA Season
