The Oklahoma City Thunder and New Orleans Pelicans meet in the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs in what is a rematch of last year’s 9-10 play-in game. The Thunder built on that campaign to capture the No. 1 seed in the West, while the Pelicans were once again in the play-in tournament and had to win Friday’s contest to secure the No. 8 seed. New Orleans won that contest without Zion Williamson, who is set to miss at least two weeks with a hamstring injury he suffered in Tuesday’s play-in game against the Lakers.
Here’s a look at some of the best series props for this first-round matchup, with odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
Thunder vs. Pelicans series props
Thunder to win series 4-1 (+220)
This is the most likely result according to the oddsmakers. The Thunder won the season series 2-1 and have the edge on talent, especially with Williamson out. Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum have the capability to make this a long series but both have been inconsistent over the last few games. Oklahoma City has the best player on the floor in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and should be able to get out to an early series lead with some additional rest. I think the Pelicans can take a game at home but Oklahoma City should wrap this series up fairly quickly.
Thunder -2.5 games (-120)
As mentioned earlier, I don’t see this series going New Orleans’ way and I also don’t see it going to Game 6 or Game 7. That means either the Thunder sweep the Pelicans or get them in a gentleman’s sweep, so this spread line should be easily covered. It offers decent value instead of taking the Thunder at -700 to win the series.
Thunder to win Game 1/Thunder to win series (-320)
The Pelicans have had to play a few games, and are likely a bit fatigued coming into Sunday’s Game 1. Meanwhile, the Thunder have had a week off and should be ready to go. I think Oklahoma City easily takes Game 1 and ends up winning the series. There’s not much value here, so considering combining this prop with another bet to bring the line down a bit.