The 2024 NBA Playoffs’ first-round series are underway and have been packed with thrilling action. The Oklahoma City Thunder, the youngest team in the playoffs, hold a 2-0 lead over the New Orleans Pelicans.
Also the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, the Thunder narrowly defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 94-92 in Game 1. However, they picked up the pace in Game 2 at the Paycom Center, cruising to an easy 124-92 victory to take a 2- 0 lead in the first-round series.
Shai Gilgeous Alexander, a strong MVP candidate, showcased why he has kept his name in the most prestigious award conversation by leading the Thunder with an impressive 33 points, three rebounds, and five assists. Rookie Chet Holmgren also made his mark with a stellar performance, contributing 26 points and 7 rebounds.
NBA: Power rankings entering playoffs: Who are favorites to win 2024 NBA Finals?
West First-Round: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. New Orleans Pelicans Game 3 predictions
Bleacher Nation: Thunder 115 – Pelicans 114
Staff writes: “The Thunder are outscoring opponents by 7.4 points per game with a +608 scoring differential overall. They put up 120.1 points per game (third in the NBA) and allow 112.7 per contest (11th in the league).”
Clutch Points: Pick Oklahoma City Thunder
Dominik Zawartko writes: “I think the New Orleans Pelicans will fight back several times during this game, but the Oklahoma City Thunder are 49-14 this season when listed as the favorites and they’ve got a solid 24-17 on the road. This spread is basically a pick’em, so we’ll have to side with the Oklahoma City Thunder to take the 3-0 lead in this series.”
ESPN: Thunder have a 60% chance to win
According to ESPN’s Matchup Predictor, the Oklahoma City Thunder have a 60% chance to beat the New Orleans Pelicans.
West First-Round: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. New Orleans Pelicans Game 3 odds, betting line
The Oklahoma City Thunder are favored to defeat the New Orleans Pelicans in Game 3according to the BetMGM odds.
- Spread: Oklahoma City (-1.5); New Orleans (+1.5)
- Moneylines: Oklahoma City (-115); New Orleans (-105)
- Total Over/Under: 210.5
- Series Winner: Oklahoma City (-2500); New Orleans (+1100)
Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering betting promos in 2024.
West First-Round: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. New Orleans Pelicans schedule
| Games | Location | Date/Time | TV/Streaming |
| Game 1 | Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK | Sunday, April 21 at 9:30 pm ET | TNT, Fubo |
| Game 2 | Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK | Wednesday, April 24 at 9:30 pm ET | TNT, Fubo |
| Game 3 | Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA | Saturday, April 27 at 3:30 pm ET | TNT, Fubo |
| Game 4 | Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA | Monday, April 29 at TBD | TBD |
| Game 5 (If necessary) | Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK | Wednesday, May 1 at TBD | TBD |
| Game 6(If necessary) | Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA | Friday, May 3 at TBD | TBD |
| Game 7(If necessary) | Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK | Sunday, May 5 at TBD | TBD |
We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this does not influence our coverage.
Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9- WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with applicable laws where you reside.
Tags: Game predictions odds schedule
