Pelicans Host Thunder in ESPN Wednesday Play-In Matchup

Zion Williamson has been a mixed NBA betting bag in his brief career.  To illuminate, when the New Orleans Pelicans won the 2019 NBA Draft Lottery, videos of the team staff going berserk went viral.  Zion was hailed as the savior of the Pelicans franchise.  But that is not how it has turned out for Williamson and the Pels.  Williamson has missed a staggering 60% of his games as a pro with the Pelicans.  Yet the New Orleans ownership has been required to pick up 100 percent of the tab.

Thunder vs. Pelicans CashBet Wagering Analysis

Naturally, New Orleans is the bigger best sportsbook online brand with Zion Williamson.  The Casual sector doesn’t care about Zion’s injury issues.  Further, Oklahoma City is an unknown brand to the masses.  Thus, Wise Guys see potentially good value with the Thunder.

Many NBA observers believe Williamson needs to make more effort to keep himself at a reasonable weight and in shape.  Still, Williamson played in just enough games to get the Pelicans into the 2023 NBA Playoffs.

Thunder Rebuild Starting to Show Results  

Late on, Oklahoma City has covered two out of their last three games.  In comparison, the Thunder have gone under the Betting on NBA total in four of its previous six matchups.  The Tunders are 10^th in the Western Conference playoff standings.  Oklahoma City is 13 games behind the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference playoff race.

Oklahoma City has NBA ranks of 5^th for scoring offense, 24^th for field goal percentage, 17^th for 3-point field goal percentage, 6^th for free throw percentage, and 14^th for offensive rebounding.  While defensively, Oklahoma City is 19^th for scoring defense, 17^th for field goal percentage permitted, 15^th for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 30^th for defensive rebounding.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are 40-42 straight up, 45-34-3 against the spread, and 46-35-1 over/under the total.  First among Oklahoma City scorers is Shai Gilgeous Alexander, with 31.4 points per game.

Since their glory era from 2010 through 2016, the Oklahoma City Thunder has been a forgotten brand on the NBA board.  The Thunder has been rebuilding for the past three years and finally got a payoff in the 2022-23 campaign.

Oklahoma City gained the play-in round and will face the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night.  Indeed, the play-in round is not a cause for celebration for the top NBA franchises.  But for the Thunder, it is a step in the right direction.  Also, the play-in qualification proves that Oklahoma City’s rebuild is starting to pay dividends.

Pelicans Power Through With Good Finish

New Orleans has covered one out of their last four games.  At the same time, the Pelicans have gone under the pro basketball betting total in three of its previous four matchups.  Thus, New Orleans is 9^th in the Western Conference playoff standings.  In the Western Conference playoff race, New Orleans is 11 games behind the Denver Nuggets.

New Orleans has NBA ranks of 15^th for scoring offense, 11^th for field goal percentage, 15^th for 3-point field goal percentage, 11^th for free throw percentage, and 13^th for offensive rebounding.  In comparison on defense, the Pelicans are 9^th for scoring defense, 12^th for field goal percentage permitted, 1^st for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 5^th for defensive rebounding.

The New Orleans Pelicans are 42-40 straight up, 39-42-1 against the spread, and 38-44 over/under the total.  First among New Orleans scorers is Zion Williamson, with 26.0 points per game.  

Thunder vs. Pelicans CashBet Free Pick   

As mentioned earlier.  Oklahoma City will get a more favorable NBA gambling

Price.  New Orleans and Zion attract too much public money.  Taking the Thunder is betting with the house and against the masses.

Thunder vs. Pelicans CashBet Best Bet: 

Oklahoma City Thunder