OKC Thunder vs. New Orleans Pelicans Game Preview

The Oklahoma City Thunder are taking on the New Orleans Pelicans in the final game of the regular season.

Feb 10, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kenrich Williams (34) drives to the basket against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

What a difference a year makes. In April of 2024, the Oklahoma City Thunder swept the New Orleans Pelicans in the first round of the NBA Playoffs after the Pelicans survived the NBA Play-in Tournament. Now? The Pelicans are tanking, but the Thunder remain at the top of the West and are a popular pick to make the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012.

This game has no stakes. The Pelicans and Thunder are solidified in its position on opposite ends of the spectrum with the Oklahoma City owning the best record in the league and New Orleans having the fourth best odds at the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

The injury reports reflect this game being of no consequence for either side, with the biggest storyline that remains: Can the Thunder get win No. 68?

Feb 10, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) shoots a three point basket over New Orleans Pelicans guard Antonio Reeves (12) during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

ODDS:

The Thunder enter the day as 12.5-point favorites against the New Orleans Pelicans, and the total over/under is 234.5 points, according to FanDuel.

KEYS TO THE GAME:

The Oklahoma City Thunder saw Jaylin Williams, Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe dominate on Friday against the Utah Jazz. The Thunder need that trio to stay hot against New Orleans, not just on the scoreboard in this afternoon's tilt but for another confidence boost heading into the NBA Playoffs.

The Thunder should be able to force plenty of turnovers in this contest to generate easy points and secure another lopsided win.

A good shooting night from OKC would put the Pelicans to bed in the Big Easy and capture a massive confidence boost for its supporting cast that will be leaned on in the postseason.

RECORDS:

Oklahoma City Thunder (67-14) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (21-60)

INJURIES:

OKC Thunder Injury Report

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander –– Shin: OUT

Alex Caruso –– Ankle: OUT

Lu Dort –– Right Patellofemoral: OUT

Isaiah Hartenstein –– Achilles: OUT

Jalen Williams –– Hip: OUT

Chet Holmgren –– Back: OUT

Cason Wallace –– Shoulder: OUT

Ousmane Dieng –– Calf: OUT

Nikola Topic –– ACL: OUT

New Orleans Pelicans Injury Report

Brandon Boston –– Ankle: OUT

Bruce Brown –– Knee: OUT

Jordan Hawkins –– Back: OUT

Herb Jones –– Shoulder: OUT

Karlo Matkovic –– Hamstring: OUT

CJ McCollum –– Foot: OUT

Yves Missi –– Ankle: OUT

Trey Murphy III –– Shoulder: OUT

Dejounte Murray –– Achilles: OUT

Zion Williamson –– Back: OUT

Kelly Olynyk –– Achilles: OUT

Check out  later today for an updated injury report.

WHEN:

Sunday, April 12, 2025 at 2:30 PM CT

LOCATION:

Smoothie King Center - New Orleans, LA

TV/RADIO:

FanDuel Sports Oklahoma, NBA League Pass, 98.1 FM The Sports Animal

FINAL WORD: 

These two teams will head in different directions after this game. The New Orleans Pelicans have some tough decisions to make top-down in its organization and are just awaiting the NBA Draft Lottery in May. For the Thunder, they turn its sights to the NBA Play-In Tournament to find out its first round opponet as their playoff run begins April 20.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
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