Top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder take on the New Orleans Pelicans in a highly anticipated first-round matchup of the Western Conference Playoffs. The Thunder, boasting the league's best record, enter this series as heavy favorites against the Pelicans, who made the playoffs after defeating the Sacramento Kings in the NBA play-in tournament to clinch the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference. The first-round game takes place at Oklahoma City’s home court at Paycom Center.
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Basketball: 2024 NBA Playoffs Game 1
Where to Watch: ESPN
Venue: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City
Date: 23.04.2024 04:30
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder defied expectations all season, exceeding even the most optimistic predictions. Led by the dynamic duo of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey, they became the youngest team in NBA history to secure the number one seed. Gilgeous-Alexander solidified his status as a superstar and a likely candidate for MVP, averaging over 30 points per game. Giddey has provided a bit of a puzzle for the coaching crew but his dazzling scoring prowess keeps him in the starting lineup. The young core, surprisingly overperforming under Coach Mark Daigneault earned a league-leading 57-25 record, gaining home-court advantage throughout the playoffs.
New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans Pelicans navigated the playoffs via the play-in route. Losing to LA Lakers in their first play-in match, the Pelicans beat Sacramento Kings 105-98 to clinch the No.8 place in the West. They will however be without star Zion Williamson when they visit Thunder. The Pelicans have a decent record against the No.1 seed in recent times, winning their last four matchups - three this year and one last season. With the best away record in the league this season, the Pelicans have a chance to start the series on a winning note. losing Williamson to injury may have dampened the confidence of many of their supporters but the Pelicans went 7-5 without Williamson in the regular season.
Betting Odds
New Orleans Pelicans are 3.75 underdogs on Betway which also prices the favorites at 2.21 for the -10.5 handicap. Over 210 is 1.5 odds on 1XBET with the under available at 2.5. Oklahoma Thunder to win the first quarter is 1.52 on Bet365, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to score 30 points available at 2.10 odds. Read more here.
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