Thunder vs. Pelicans Picks and Prediction – 4/13/2025

Oklahoma City Thunder (67-14) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (21-60)
Time: 3:30 PM ET
Location: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA
TV: NBA TV

Previous Games:

  • Thunder: 145-111 win over Utah

  • Pelicans: 153-104 loss to Miami

Head-to-Head:

Oklahoma City is on a three-game win streak and has been dominant in almost every aspect of the game. Meanwhile, New Orleans is struggling with a six-game losing streak and has been giving up massive point totals. Oklahoma City should handle this matchup with ease, even if Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is limited.

Oklahoma City Thunder Breakdown:

Oklahoma City is firing on all cylinders, sitting atop the Western Conference with a 67-14 record. The Thunder are one of the best offensive teams in the league, averaging 120.6 points per game and leading the NBA with 10.4 steals per game. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been unstoppable, putting up 32.7 points per game while shooting nearly 90% from the free-throw line. Even with some key injuries, Oklahoma City has the firepower to dominate.

Key Players:

  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 32.7 PPG

  • Isaiah Joe: 54.8% 3PT shooting

New Orleans Pelicans Breakdown:

New Orleans has struggled through an eight-game losing streak and has been a disaster defensively. The Pelicans are allowing 120.8 points per game, which is one of the worst in the league, and their offense is inconsistent. With key players dealing with injuries, the Pelicans don’t have much left to play for. Their defense has been especially porous, making them a prime target for the Thunder.

Key Players:

  • Antonio Reeves: 13.7 PPG

  • Yves Missi: 7.0 RPG

Betting Trends:

Oklahoma City Thunder:

  • 14-2 ATS in their last 16 games

  • The OVER has hit in 4 of their last 5 games

New Orleans Pelicans:

  • 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games

  • The OVER has hit in 4 of their last 5 games

Exact Score Prediction:

Oklahoma City Thunder 130 – New Orleans Pelicans 107

Our Best Bet:

Oklahoma City Thunder -12.5 (-110)

Oklahoma City is in elite form and should cover this spread easily against a New Orleans team that’s struggled to keep games competitive. The Thunder's offense will be too much for the Pelicans to handle, and their defense will shut down any potential New Orleans rally.

Want access to our premium picks? Click here for a FREE 1 day trial

Back to blog