OKC Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans predictions, odds: Who wins NBA playoff series?
The No. 1-seeded OKC Thunder will face the No. 8-seeded New Orleans Pelicans in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
Game 1 of the best-of-seven series is set for 8:30 p.m. Sunday in Oklahoma City (TNT). The Thunder won the regular-season series, 2-1.
OKC (57-25) is in the playoffs for the first time since 2020. The Thunder is the youngest team in NBA history to secure the No. 1 seed in either conference.
New Orleans (49-33) earned a 105-98 home win over Sacramento in the final round of the play-in tournament on Friday. Zion Williamson (hamstring) didn't play, and he will be reevaluated in approximately two weeks.
Play-in tournament picks: Lakers at Pelicans | Warriors at Kings | Heat at 76ers | Hawks at Bulls | Kings at Pelicans | Bulls at Heat
First-round picks: Celtics vs Heat | Knicks vs 76ers | Bucks vs Pacers | Cavaliers vs Magic | Thunder vs Pelicans | Nuggets vs Lakers | Timberwolves vs Suns | Clippers vs Mavericks
More: 2024 NBA playoffs: Complete schedule, bracket breakdown, how to watch
The Oklahoman: Thunder, 4-1
Justin Martinez writes: "New Orleans is a dangerous team when it's at full strength. But Williamson could miss the entire series based off his timeline, so OKC should be able to take care of business. The Thunder can play Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas off the floor with its pick-and-roll game. And even though Herb Jones will make life tough for him, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is still the biggest offensive weapon in the series."
More: Mussatto: Making Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP case in reveal of NBA awards ballot
DraftKings: OKC Thunder (-800) is the favorite to win the first-round playoff series vs New Orleans
OKC is a -800 favorite to beat New Orleans in the first round of the playoffs.
Series winner: OKC -800 | New Orleans +550
Win in 4: OKC +260 | New Orleans +5000
Win in 5: OKC +220 | New Orleans +3500
Win in 6: OKC +425 | New Orleans +1400
Win in 7: OKC +475 | New Orleans +1300
More: With OKC Thunder back in NBA playoffs for first time since 2020, here are 4 things to know
BetMGM: OKC Thunder (-7.5) is the favorite to win Game 1 vs New Orleans Pelicans
OKC is a 7.5-point favorite to beat New Orleans in Game 1 on Sunday.
Over/under: 214.5
Moneyline: OKC -350 | New Orleans +260
More: Will history repeat itself? Here's a look at OKC Thunder's past NBA playoff runs
ESPN: OKC Thunder has a 72.1% to beat New Orleans Pelicans in Game 1
ESPN gives OKC a 72.1% to beat New Orleans in Game 1 on Sunday.
More: Fair or not, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will be judged by OKC Thunder success in NBA playoffs
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This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans predictions, odds for NBA playoffs
