Game Preview: Pelicans vs. Thunder set to battle in game 3

This Saturday afternoon, the Oklahoma City Thunder will continue their Western Conference quarterfinal series against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center, heading into Game 3 with a 2-0 series lead. The Thunder, enjoying a seven-game winning streak, have dominated recent encounters with the Pelicans, winning six out of their last seven matchups.

ESPN's Matchup Predictor gives the Thunder a 60% chance of victory in this next game. In Game 1, the Thunder narrowly edged out a win, but Game 2 saw them display their superiority in a decisive 124-92 victory. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was particularly impressive, scoring 33 points, while Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams added significant contributions.

The Thunder will enter the game with no injuries, a full-strength squad ready to extend their lead. Conversely, the Pelicans, who have scored just 92 points in each of the series' first two games, will continue to feel the absence of Zion Williamson due to a hamstring injury. In their last outing, Jonas Valanciunas led the team with 19 points, supported by Brandon Ingram and Herbert Jones, who each added 18 points. CJ McCollum and Naji Marshall also made noteworthy contributions.

As they face off for the sixth time since the regular season began, the Thunder aims to maintain their dominance, having already secured four wins in their previous five meetings. The Pelicans, still missing Williamson, face a challenging path to reclaim their footing in the series.


Source Covers : Oklahoma City @ New Orleans Picks & Predictions
Source Rotowire : Pelicans and Thunder Set for Game 3 clash
Source USA Today : Thunder vs. Pelicans: Game 3 predictions, odds, TV schedule for Western Conference series