Thunder vs Pelicans: Odds, Injuries & Prediction

The Oklahoma City Thunder (13-1) face the New Orleans Pelicans (2-11) in a highly anticipated NBA matchup on Monday, November 17, 2025. With the Thunder riding a five-game winning streak and the Pelicans struggling through injuries, this game presents a stark contrast in team fortunes. Tipoff is set for 8:11 PM ET from the Smoothie King Center, broadcast on Gulf Coast Sports.

Thunder's Dominance vs Pelicans' Struggles

The Thunder continue their remarkable 2024-25 campaign with a league-best 13-1 record. Their recent 109-96 victory over the Charlotte Hornets showcased their balanced attack, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's efficient 33-point performance and Chet Holmgren's 25-point explosion. Oklahoma City's defensive prowess and offensive efficiency make them one of the NBA's elite teams.

In stark contrast, the Pelicans are mired in a 2-11 season after a 124-106 loss to the Golden State Warriors. Trey Murphy III's 20-point performance was a rare bright spot in a game where New Orleans struggled to contain Golden State's offense. The Pelicans now play the second night of a back-to-back, which could further impact their energy level against the Thunder's relentless pace.

Critical Injury Reports

Both teams enter this matchup hampered by significant injuries:

• Thunder: Jalen Williams (wrist surgery), Aaron Wiggins (adductor strain), Kenrich Williams (knee surgery), Nikola Topic (testicular surgery), and Thomas Sorber (torn ACL) are all out. Alex Caruso (hand soreness) is questionable.
• Pelicans: Zion Williamson (hamstring strain), Jordan Poole (quad strain), and Dejounte Murray (torn Achilles) will miss the game.

The Thunder's depth will be severely tested with six players unavailable, but their remaining stars should still overwhelm New Orleans' depleted roster. The Pelicans' absence of Williamson, their cornerstone player, leaves them without a reliable scoring option or defensive anchor.

Betting Odds and Lines

The Thunder are massive favorites, with the spread set at -17.5 (-110) and the moneyline at -1700. The over/under is 225.5 points (-110). Despite the lopsided odds, sharp bettors are targeting player props for value.

One intriguing pick is Saddiq Bey over 4.5 rebounds (+120). Bey has embraced an expanded role, logging at least 29 minutes in six consecutive games. His rebounding numbers have surged, averaging 4.8 boards per game with six or more rebounds in five of his last six outings. Despite facing the Thunder's strong rebounding unit, the plus-odds make this a worthwhile wager.

Game Prediction

The Thunder are expected to cruise to victory, potentially covering the double-digit spread. Their superior talent, coaching, and rest advantage (playing on zero days rest) should overwhelm the Pelicans' short-handed lineup. Look for Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren to put up big numbers early.

New Orleans' only hope lies in forcing turnovers and capitalizing on transition opportunities. However, without Williamson's rim protection and Murray's playmaking, their offense will likely stagnate against Oklahoma City's top-tier defense.

Conclusion

While the Thunder should secure another convincing victory, this game offers valuable insights into how both teams perform under adversity. For the Pelicans, it's a chance to evaluate role players like Bey and Murphy III in extended minutes. For bettors, the focus shifts to player props and second-half betting opportunities as the game's outcome becomes inevitable early. Tune in for what could be a showcase of Oklahoma City's championship potential.