New Orleans Pelicans-Oklahoma City Thunder injury report, odds, prediction, game 1

The upcoming NBA playoffs will be a classic ‘David vs. Goliath’ matchup between Western Conference teams, No. 8 New Orleans and No. 1 Oklahoma City. While the odds on this matchup may seem unfavorable for New Orleans, they could surprise the prognosticators.

C.J. McCollum

March 26, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (3) counters

WESTERN CONFERENCE FIRST ROUND NBA PLAYOFFS – GAME 1 INFO

SACRAMENTO KINGS VS. NEW ORLEANS PELICANS

  • Teams: New Orleans Pelicans (0-0, 49-33) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (0-0, 57-25)
  • Game Information: 2024 NBA Playoffs • Round #1, Game #1 • Road Game #1
  • Series information: 0-0 draw (Best of Seven)
  • Location: Paycom Center • Oklahoma City, OK
  • Date: April 21, 2024 • 8:30 PM (CT)
  • TV: Gray TV • Radio: WRNO 99.5 FM
  • Head Coaches: Willie Green (New Orleans Pelicans); Mark Daigneault (Oklahoma City Thunder)
  • Officers: Tony Brothers (#25) – Crew Leader; Kevin Scott (#24) – Referee; JT Orr (#72) – Referee
  • Uniforms: New Orleans (Statement Edition – RED); Sacramento (Association Edition – WHITE)

NEW ORLEANS PELICANS INJURY REPORT

  • Zion Williamson: OUT (left hamstring strain)

OKLAHOMA THUNDER INJURY REPORT

OKC is the clear favorite to win in the first round, but the Thunder could be in for a challenging seven-game series against the Pelicans. Despite being the youngest team in the NBA, they defeated New Orleans in the regular season series by a score of 2–1. However, the Pelicans have the NBA’s best road record at 28-14 and defeated the Thunder at home by a score of 106-110 on November 1.

During that game, CJ McCollum scored 29 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander only scored 20 points in the home loss. Brandon Ingram missed that game, but unfortunately Zion Williamson will not play in the upcoming game due to a left hamstring injury. The Thunder reported no significant injuries to the league office before tonight’s game.

New Orleans’ bench players and defense will face a tough test against Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren. By maintaining good lane integrity, keeping OKC out of the paint and focusing on defensive assignments, the Pelicans will stay in the game.

Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum and Jonas Valanciunas should be aggressive offensively throughout the series. No one can afford to go MIA or the Pelicans will be eliminated from the playoffs.

PELICANS-THUNDER GAME ODDS

  • Favorite: Oklahoma City: -8.5 points; Moneyline: -350 OKC, +275 Pelicans; Points total: 215.5
  • Prediction: OKC 107, Pelicans 101

PELICANS X FACTORS

  • Trey Murphy III – In two games against the Thunder, he has 22 points and 10 rebounds. His production must increase.
  • Dyson Daniels – In two games against the Thunder, he has 13 points and 5 rebounds.
  • Larry Nance Jr. – In three games against the Thunder, he has 17 points, 5 assists and 14 rebounds.
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