The New Orleans Pelicans are up in the season series, two-zip, but they’ve been iffy over the last few weeks, while the Oklahoma City Thunder are looking better. Can OKC steal a game this time?

Catch the game tomorrow at 9:00 AM, Manila time.

HOME: Oklahoma City Thunder (27-28, 16-11 HOME)

Projected starting five:

  • Josh Giddey
  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
  • Aaron Wiggins
  • Jalen Williams
  • Kenrich Williams

The Thunder have won back-to-back games. They have also been throwing flames offensively, scoring 133 and 138 points on a combined 54.2% shooting in that span, including an insane 29-for-58 from beyond the arc.

Their main man, All-star Shai Gilegeous Alexander, is also playing like an All-NBA guy this season. He’s top five in scoring at 31.0 PPG while also boasting a 51.1/35.5/91.0 shooting split. Further, he posted 44 points in their last clash with the Pelicans and also has two 40-plus point nights in his last four, so such an output could be on the way again.

SGA will continue getting primarily aided by Josh Giddey and Jalen Williams. Giddey had 20 points, 10 boards, and six dimes in the most recent meeting with the Pels, and he has also picked up the pace after a rugged start to the season. He has 18.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 6.4 assists over his last 21 outings.

OKC is 12-4-1 ATS in their last 17 games overall.

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AWAY: New Orleans Pelicans (29-28, 9-18 AWAY)

Projected starting five:

  • CJ McCollum
  • Trey Murphy III
  • Herbert Jones
  • Brandon Ingram
  • Jonas Valanciunas

The Pelicans are 3-11 in their last 14 outings. They are back on the losing column following a 118-107 defeat to the Cleveland Cavaliers this past Saturday. It halted a three-game winning streak that preceded a 10-game skid.

Still, they’ll be entering the game with a good amount of confidence. They are 2-0 against the Thunder season, both being close games, one of which had them surviving Gilgeous-Alexander’s big game even with Zion Williamson sidelined – he’s out again tomorrow.

CJ McCollum (21.1 PPG) and Brandon Ingram (21.8 PPG) will remain as the one-two scoring punch, with Jonas Valanciunas (14.5 PPG. 9.8 RPG) also in the mix while at the paint. Defensively, their 3 and D guys, most notably Herbert Jones, will need to be in their A-game in helping contain SGA and Giddey. The New Orleans have failed in two tries so far, surrendering 31 and 44 points.

The Pelicans are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 road games.

PREDICTION:

Handicap: The Thunder (-3) get the win and cover the spread.

Over/Under: OKC will guide the pace of the offense. Going over 236.5 looks good.