Game Details:
Matchup: Thunder (Away) vs. Pelicans (Home)
Date & Time: Saturday, April 12, 2025 | 8:00 PM ET
Venue: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA
Betting Line: Pelicans -2.5 | Over/Under: 229.5

Key Storylines

Playoff Implications Heating Up

With just a few games left in the regular season, this matchup has major postseason ramifications. The Pelicans and Thunder are jockeying for playoff positioning in the tightly packed Western Conference, and a win tonight could be pivotal for seeding and home-court advantages.

Thunder’s Road Resilience

The Thunder come into this matchup with an impressive road record, having gone 22-16 away from home so far this season. Led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is averaging 30.4 points, 6.5 assists, and 1.8 steals per game, they have been one of the most consistent teams all season regardless of venue.

Pelicans’ Tough Defense

The Pelicans currently rank in the top 5 in defensive rating this season, boasting a unit anchored by Herbert Jones and rim protector Jonas Valančiūnas. New Orleans will look to slow down a fast-paced Thunder offense that is third in the league in points per game (118.2).

Injury Report

Thunder:
Questionable: Jalen Williams (ankle), Isaiah Joe (illness)
Out: Gordon Hayward (back)

Pelicans:
Doubtful: Zion Williamson (hamstring)
Out: Larry Nance Jr. (wrist)

Betting Trends

Against the Spread (ATS):
Thunder: 39-34-2 ATS
Pelicans: 37-36-2 ATS

Over/Under Trends:
Total has gone UNDER in 5 of Pelicans’ last 7 games
Total has gone OVER in 4 of Thunder’s last 6 games

Player Prop to Watch

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Points Total: 28.5
Even against a tough Pelicans defense, Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring prowess makes the OVER an enticing play, especially if Zion is out and New Orleans struggles offensively.

Brandon Ingram – Assists Total: 5.5
Ingram has taken on more playmaking duties with Zion sidelined, averaging 6.2 assists over his last 10 games.

Prediction & Best Bets

Spread: Thunder +2.5 → With Zion likely out and OKC performing well on the road, backing the Thunder to either cover or win outright holds value.

Total: Under 229.5 → The Pelicans’ stout defense and potential slowed pace without Zion favor the under.

Player Prop: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 28.5 Points → He thrives in big-match moments and has consistently torched top defenses.

Final Score Prediction: Thunder 112, Pelicans 107