Thunder vs Pelicans Picks ends the four-game run over two nights. This closer will determine the final Friday night team to head on the road. Now, value heads in unexpected places for a game where two younger teams face off. Bovada Vegas online sportsbook brings us some new methods to wager. Always be thankful for a few betting site bonuses from the Vegas side as well.
Oklahoma City vs New Orleans | |||
---|---|---|---|
Oklahoma City Thunder | -110 | -110 | -110 |
New Orleans Pelicans (-5.5) | -110 | -110 | -110 |
Thunder vs Pelicans picks for Wednesday night feels like a finale in a run of games just to have a few more later in the week. That is correct. Now, the winner of this game advances to face the loser of the second Tuesday night game on Friday. If that is confusing, we offer our apologies. At VegasBetting, we point out the betting options and never argue about the flaws of a system. More games mean getting wiser.
This game troubles us the most because play-in games with young teams can be everywhere. Oklahoma City comes in with only a 17-24 road record, but with a one-and-done approach, the unexpected could happen. Few expected the Thunder to be in this position at the start of the season. Honestly, a 40-win team that was expected to win 24 or fewer games is something else. Their predictor indicates the Thunder should have won 44.
So, two of those three losses should have been wins against New Orleans. Consider the Pelicans made a 16-game improvement over last season. Maybe the Thunder will pull off one last surprise. First, let us ponder what may happen on Wednesday night from a simpler perspective. Is that -5.5 too generous for New Orleans? That is the top question.
Based on the latest numbers and projections, leaning toward Oklahoma City to cover with a small wager could be a wiser and wiser idea (-110). A 5.5-point cover appears to be dicey, given how close these two teams play. However, some will point to this as more than just another game. Again, without Zion Williamson, the Pelicans should be able to keep this one close on Wednesday night’s final moments.
Could Thunder vs Pelicans picks inch toward the over? Using forethought to figure this out comes across as too obvious. New Orleans plays like a top-ten team in pace at home. Oklahoma City creates its own frenzied pace ranking inside the top ten on the road. Pace means more possessions at a faster rate of play. Hey, both teams are capable of shooting around 50% in this contest.
VegasBetting wonders how high is too high here. Okay, maybe that becomes a question for later. Right now, the concern is about the overset at 228 points. Does that number feel too low? That is intriguing. This game figured to see an over-teetering past 230. Imagine these two teams getting into a low-scoring game. Bluntly, few can either. Over and over again, there were these crazy games, but then they played each other.
It is downright accurate and clear from this type of assessment. As constructed, New Orleans is the average team, and Oklahoma City is the up-and-coming squad. Few believe this, but here is the heel turn. The Under is very much in play on Wednesday night. These last few matchups have seen the teams stay closer to 210 points combined.
Granted, nerves could lead to more offense. However, NBA Vegas online betting sites count on New Orleans feeding off the home crowd, with Oklahoma City following suit. Instead, we look at two teams, particularly the Pelicans, being too afraid to lose. Side with fewer than 228 on Wednesday night.
The Thunder vs Pelicans Picks asks if there are any more props to explore. This game appears to have us confounded from a player prop standpoint. Sticking with some of those game props looks to be a more comforting option. Yes, wagering better and smarter trumps are getting stupid here.
NBA Vegas prop bets love some of these crazier game numbers. How about the idea of a comeback win by the Thunder? This pays out at +650. The first quarter and game parlay are not quite as lucrative. With how close the teams play, the winning team advancing by 1-5 points is a safe +190 on Wednesday night.
Okay, what about a few more possibilities? While predicting overtime seems nuts, we are not doing that here. Instead, contemplating the Thunder winning by 3-6 points comes in at +600. Hey, based on how close these games have been, a road game has the look of coming down to the final possessions.
Finally, look towards the no on both teams scoring 25 points in the first quarter at +125. Do not spend outrageous amounts of money here. However, shots may be a little errant early on here as both teams feel each other out. The idea in these bets is to think with your head and not your heart. Remember, the first round of the playoffs starts on Saturday. This is a marathon and not a sprint.
So, wait to bet on the Friday games if that is an option. Some trends and maybe even injuries could crop up between now and then. Trying to gather all the news one can is prudent. Again, maybe bypassing all this and waiting until the weekend is a wise choice too.
Chris Wassel is someone who has covered a little bit of everything: business, writing, sports, food, grilling, the Olympics, injuries, politics, and more. He has climbed mountains like Mount Washington and Mount San Jacinto in Palm Springs, California, and for those who don’t know, he is also big into food challenges. With friends like Joey Chestnut and Casey Webb, Chris has tackled eating feats like finishing a 16-pound turkey or a 32-inch meat lover's pizza. Since 2013, he has focused on fitness, fishing, and sports while managing to fit in running, hiking, rock climbing, and even the occasional mini-triathlon. He can lift more than his body weight with ease and is the person you turn to when you want to know if a NASCAR rain delay means a Monday race. Over his career, Chris has worked at places like Amazon, USA Today, and various rumors and fantasy sports sites. He has been nominated for awards such as the Fantasy Sports Writers Association's Hockey Writer of the Year and has a collection of high-stakes fantasy trophies and rings on display at home. With all this, Chris sums it up best with his motto: "Shut up and play."