It’s Anthony Davis versus Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook tonight, as the New Orleans Pelicans pay the Oklahoma City Thunder a visit at the Chesapeake Energy Arena for the second time this season. In their most recent encounter, the Thunder managed to pull away from the Pelicans down the stretch thanks to a 43-point outburst from Westbrook. Will that be the case again later? Or will New Orleans emerge victorious this time around?
Just read on below for our comprehensive preview of this Western Conference showdown. And while you’re doing so, check out our Top 10 lists about the best dunks and moments of Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. Enjoy.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Preview
Where: Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
When: Thursday, February 11, 2016, 8:00 PM ET
Line: New Orleans Pelicans (+12) at Oklahoma City Thunder (-12); total: 220.0– view all NBA lines
TV Broadcast: TNT
Betting on the New Orleans Pelicans (20-32)
Expect the pair of Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday to waste no time in establishing their presence in this matchup. Both have been playing splendidly as of late and Davis, in particular, has shined the brightest. The 23-year-old power forward has been very dominant through six games in February, averaging 26.6 PPG, 8.8 RPG and 1.5 BPG during that stretch.
Besides the two, Ryan Anderson, who is posting almost 20 points per game this season, should prove to be a key factor in this game especially with the Eric Gordon and Tyreke Evans still nursing injuries. Anderson, though, put up just seven points on 3-for-10 shooting against the Jazz Wednesday night. Nevertheless, he’s the kind of player who can get streaky at any given moment.
On defense, meanwhile, the onus is on everybody to provide a collective effort in preventing Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook from finding their mark. The Pelicans are surrendering 102.6 PPG in their previous six games.
New Orleans is 3-7 SU and 5-5 ATS in its last 10 games on the road.
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Betting on the Oklahoma City Thunder (39-14)
When both Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook get it going, it’s almost impossible to beat Oklahoma City.
This was what precisely transpired in the Thunder’s resounding 122-106 win over Phoenix on Monday night. The two All-Stars reminded the world once again why they are the NBA’s best scoring duo right now by combining for 61 points, 14 rebounds, 11 assists and seven three-pointers. But Durant arguably had a more efficient night as he committed just a single turnover all throughout the game.
With the win, the Thunder improved their record to 39-14 and march into their encounter with the New Orleans Pelicans tonight having won six of their previous seven games. And needless to say, expect Durant and Westbrook, who are putting up 27.8 PPG and 24.1 PPG this season, to have another huge scoring output versus a mediocre New Orleans defense (104.9 points allowed per game).
Speaking of defense, the Thunder will also have their hands full in stopping the likes of Anthony Davis, Ryan Anderson and Jrue Holiday. Davis, in particular, should prove to be the toughest one to cover as he’s managed to tally 20 or more points in his past six contests. OKC is giving up 102.0 PPG this season.
OKC is 6-4 SU and 4-6 ATS in its last 10 meetings with the Pelicans.
Writer’s Prediction
OKC (-12) wins by 10 or more points. Create a betting account now and put your NBA predictions to the test!
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