Oklahoma City Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction & Tips, 7 Oct 2026

NBA · 01:00
Oklahoma City
Thunder
110
vs
New Orleans
Pelicans
116

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Contents

Our Prediction

Top Markets

  • MoneylineOklahoma City Thunder
  • SpreadOklahoma City Thunder -5.5
  • Projected Total Points226

Match Facts

Competition
NBA
Date
Wed 7 Oct
Tip-off
01:00
Arena
BOK Center, Tulsa, OK

Match Preview

The Oklahoma City Thunder host the New Orleans Pelicans in a Western Conference showdown. This matchup features OKC's elite spacing against New Orleans's physical frontcourt.

Expect a high-intensity game at Paycom Center. The battle for paint control and perimeter efficiency will decide the outcome.

  • OKC averages 15.4 made three-pointers.
  • Pelicans score 48.6 points in the paint.
  • Thunder force a high 15.6% turnover rate.
  • New Orleans averages 12.2 offensive rebounds.

Team Analysis

OKC boasts a 118.2 offensive rating driven by elite spacing. New Orleans counters with a 53.8% rebounding percentage to dominate the glass.

Tactical Breakdown

Defensive Matchup Vulnerability could expose the Pelicans' perimeter defense if they fail to rotate quickly against OKC's drive-and-kick.

Injuries & Doubts

Oklahoma City Thunder
Isaiah Hartenstein
Ankle Injury · Game Time Decision
Jaylin Williams
Heel Injury · Game Time Decision
Chet Holmgren
Rest · Game Time Decision
Thomas Sorber
Knee Injury · Game Time Decision
Nikola Topic
Back Injury · Game Time Decision
New Orleans Pelicans
Dejounte Murray
Toe Injury · Game Time Decision

Head to Head

Oklahoma City Thunder
5
Draws
0
Last 5
New Orleans Pelicans
0
100%0%

Previous Meetings

  • 28.01.2026USA: NBA
    Oklahoma City Thunder104 - 95New Orleans Hornets
  • 18.11.2025USA: NBA
    New Orleans Hornets109 - 126Oklahoma City Thunder
  • 02.11.2025USA: NBA
    Oklahoma City Thunder137 - 106New Orleans Hornets
  • 17.07.2025USA: NBA Las Vegas Summer League
    Oklahoma City Thunder95 - 81New Orleans Hornets
  • 13.04.2025USA: NBA
    New Orleans Hornets100 - 115Oklahoma City Thunder

OKC has won three of the last five matchups, utilizing their speed to neutralize the Pelicans' size advantage.

Key Stats

Oklahoma City ThunderNew Orleans Pelicans
  • 118.2Offensive Rating113.5
  • 110.4Defensive Rating114.1
  • 100.5Pace98.2
  • 56.2%eFG%53.5%
  • 11.8%Turnover Rate14.1%

Scoring, Rebounds, Turnovers and Fouls

Oklahoma City ThunderNew Orleans Pelicans
  • 116Expected Points110
  • 153s Made11

Foul Trouble Watch

New Orleans's physical drives will test OKC's interior discipline, likely leading to high free-throw volume for both teams.

Rebounding Battle

The Pelicans must dominate the offensive glass to limit OKC's transition opportunities and secure second-chance points.

Turnover Watch

OKC's active hands will look to disrupt New Orleans's post entry passes, aiming to spark fast-break points.

Verdict

OKC's superior spacing, perimeter shooting, and defensive turnover creation should secure a comfortable home victory.

FAQ

Who is favored to win the Thunder vs Pelicans game?

The Oklahoma City Thunder are favored to win with an expected score of 116-110.

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