You can bet on NBA odds at BookMaker.eu every day of the season.
After briefly hitting the road to take on Memphis, the Thunder return to OKC to host the lowly Pelicans on Wednesday. Look for the Thunder to pad their record while the Pelicans struggle to get rolling.
ODDS ANALYSIS
A brief three-game losing streak aside, the Thunder have gotten back on track this season with three straight SU and ATS wins heading into Sunday.
The offense has really gotten going with 124 and 125 points scored respectively against Phoenix and Washington, though they did score just 102 against Philadelphia with Durant on the bench.
In the game against the 76ers, the under paid out for the fifth game in their last seven.
On the other side, the Pelicans are just 1-4 ATS on the road this season and are 2-7 ATS overall.
WHEN THE NEW ORLEANS PELICANS ARE ON OFFENSE
Anthony Davis is key for this team. After six losses to begin the year, the Pelicans finally got their first win, topping Dallas 107-98 last Saturday though in the process, they lost Davis to injury and have dropped two straight since.
Davis is a question to return on Sunday, but should be back in the line-up in time for Wednesday.
Due to the fast pace of play for the Thunder on offense, they allow the opposing team a number of chances as well and though the opposition is shooting just 42.5% from the floor against them, the Thunder are allowing 104.6 PPG.
Without a star guard to counter Davis, the young stud should be able to pick up right where he left off. He leads the team in scoring with 24 PPG and has nine RPG as well.
In addition to Davis, the Pelicans have guards Eric Gordon and Jrue Holiday putting up good numbers while fellow forward Ryan Anderson is averaging 15.7 PPG, the third most on the team.
Keep an eye on how well Gordon and Holiday are able to match up with Westbrook and company. If they’re able to hold Westbrook somewhat in check, this could be a closer game than some think.
WHEN THE OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER ARE ON OFFENSE
Against a defense ranked No. 30 in the NBA, allowing 111 PPG and a 47.9% field goal percentage the Thunder should have plenty success on offense.
Oklahoma City has one of the best tandems in the league with forward Kevin Durant and guard Russell Westbrook, leading the Thunder to 113.3 PPG, the second most in the sport.
Of course, the Thunder will be without Durant on Wednesday as he deals with a hamstring strain. With him out, the Thunder will look for more from the likes of Enes Kanter and Serge Ibaka.
The two big men are already solid contributors for Oklahoma City. They combined for 25-points against Philadelphia on Friday without Durant. Westbrook, on the other hand, put up 21-points, 11-assists and 17-rebounds.
This season Westbrook is averaging 25.2 PPG and 10.9 APG. He’s also averaging more than two steals per game and 8.6 RPG, offering solid production on defense as well.
Look to see how well the Thunder are able to cover Westbrook. It’ll be key that he’s able to get his shots, but with his 10.9 APG, he’s already shown he can set up his teammates for success as well. With three other players not named Durant or Westbrook averaging at least 11 PPG, there is enough talent to continue putting points on the board.
BETTING TRENDS AND MATCHUPS
The trends don’t bode well for the Pelicans who’ve gotten just a single SU win all year. They have, however, taken two of their last three ATS and with Davis back and Durant out could lean on their solid offensive contributors to keep the game against the Thunder close.
Assuming Davis plays between now and Wednesday, keep close tabs on his health. The rest of the Pelicans’ offense is key to watch, too, as Wednesday’s NBA game gets underway. If they’re getting clear shots and finding early success from the floor, jump on the over in this game. The Thunder will get their points against a lousy Pelicans’ defense even without Durant. New Orleans’ ability to score is the bigger question.
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone with BookMaker’s new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here and start wagering today! The New Orleans Pelicans and Oklahoma City Thunder game is scheduled for Wednesday, November 18, 2015, at 8 p.m. ET at Chesapeake Energy Arena. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN.
