Oklahoma City Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction, NBA 24-25: Betting Odds, Spread, Moneyline, and Best Bets

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Oklahoma City Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction, NBA 24-25: The Oklahoma City Thunder (64-14) travel to the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans to face the struggling New Orleans Pelicans (16-63) on Saturday, April 13, 2025. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET as the Western Conference leaders look to close the regular season on a high note against a Pelicans squad deep into a developmental phase.

While the Thunder aim to tighten their grip on the No. 1 seed, the Pelicans are limping through the finish line of a campaign marred by injuries, inconsistency, and unmet expectations. This matchup is lopsided on paper, but every game tells its own tale—and Oklahoma City must still handle business to stay atop the playoff race.

Injury Report: Thunder vs Pelicans

New Orleans Pelicans Injuries (as of April 13, 2025):

• Zion Williamson (back) – OUT
• CJ McCollum (foot) – OUT
• Dejounte Murray (Achilles) – OUT
• Trey Murphy III (shoulder) – OUT

Oklahoma City Thunder Injuries:

• Nikola Topić (knee) – OUT
• Jaylin Williams (hamstring) – OUT
• Alex Caruso (ankle) – OUT
• Ajay Mitchell (toe) – OUT
• Ousmane Dieng (calf) – QUESTIONABLE

Thunder vs Pelicans Betting Odds and Predictions

• Moneyline: Thunder -800 | Pelicans +520
• Point Spread: Thunder -13.5
• Over/Under (Total Points): 229.5

Betting Insights:

Point Spread: With a spread of 13.5 points, sportsbooks expect the Thunder to win decisively. Given the Pelicans\' injury-depleted rotation and OKC’s full-throttle pace, covering this spread is well within reason.

Total Points (O/U): The 229.5 over/under suggests a moderately high-scoring affair. The Thunder’s efficient offense could do most of the lifting, especially if New Orleans struggles to put up points in the absence of its stars.

Thunder vs Pelicans Sportsbook Odds and Implied Probabilities

Thunder vs Pelicans Head-to-Head Record (Last 5 Games)

Current Win Streak: Thunder have won 5 straight

All-Time Record (Regular Season): Thunder lead 45–32

Key Matchups and X-Factors

Chet Holmgren vs. New Orleans Frontcourt: With Zion and Nance both out or questionable, Holmgren may dominate the glass and protect the rim without resistance.

X-Factors: Josh Giddey remains the glue for the Thunder, offering rebounding and playmaking. For the Pelicans, rookie Dyson Daniels or sophomore Jordan Hawkins could be asked to step up and inject energy.

Playoff Implications and Narrative Momentum

For the Oklahoma City Thunder, this game is more than a routine stop on the road—it\'s a strategic checkpoint in their mission to secure the No. 1 seed in the West. With the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers hot on their heels, every remaining matchup carries weight. Locking up home-court advantage through the postseason could be the difference between a Finals berth and a second-round heartbreak.

Beyond the seeding battle, this game serves as a platform for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP campaign. With eyes from across the league watching, another commanding performance from SGA could sway voters and solidify his case. Chet Holmgren, meanwhile, is making a late-season push in the Rookie of the Year race, showcasing his two-way versatility at every opportunity.

As for the New Orleans Pelicans, there’s no playoff carrot dangling in front of them, but there is pride—and the promise of tomorrow. With Zion Williamson once again sidelined, the franchise has more questions than answers about its long-term core. However, games like these allow the front office to evaluate younger talents in high-leverage situations. A competitive showing against a championship contender could restore some optimism in a season otherwise riddled with adversity.

Whether they play spoiler or stumble again, New Orleans will look to give their home fans something to remember before the curtain falls on this forgettable season.

Disclaimer

Betting should be done responsibly and only where legal. Always adhere to local laws, regulations, and guidelines. This article provides information for entertainment purposes only and does not encourage or promote gambling. Be sure to wager within your means and seek help if you or someone you know may have a gambling problem.