The Oklahoma City Thunder enter Tuesday’s clash against the New Orleans Pelicans with one of the league’s best records at 37‑10, riding the dominance of Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander and a defense that ranks first in points allowed.
The Pelicans, meanwhile, sit at 12‑36 and have struggled to find rhythm despite flashes from Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III. Oddsmakers have installed Oklahoma City as heavy 14.5‑point favorites, with a total of 234.5.
The Thunder have been reliable when scoring over 121 points, going undefeated in those scenarios, while the Pelicans have been competitive ATS when surpassing 107 points. This matchup pits the NBA’s top offense and defense against a Pelicans team that has been inconsistent but occasionally dangerous.
With injuries piling up for both squads, bettors will weigh whether the Thunder’s firepower can cover the large spread or if the Pelicans can sneak inside the number.
Best Bet: Thunder -14.5 (-110) at DraftKings
The Thunder have been dominant all season, boasting a 25‑0 record when scoring more than 121.5 points. Their offensive efficiency, led by Gilgeous‑Alexander’s 32.1 points per game and Holmgren’s inside presence, makes them a nightmare matchup for a Pelicans defense that allows 121.5 points per game.
Oklahoma City’s ATS record as a large favorite (9‑9 when favored by 14.5+) shows some variance, but their overall consistency and ability to overwhelm weaker opponents tilt the edge toward laying the points.
The Pelicans have covered in both games as 14.5‑point underdogs this season, but their lack of depth and reliance on Williamson and Murphy makes them vulnerable against the Thunder’s balanced attack. Expect Oklahoma City to control pace, exploit mismatches, and pull away late, making the Thunder -14.5 the sharp play.
Combined Odds: +260
This safer parlay leans into the Thunder’s strengths. Gilgeous‑Alexander has been a scoring machine, while Holmgren’s rebounding secures possessions. Pairing those with the Thunder covering the spread creates a correlated outcome: if Oklahoma City dominates, both stars should hit their marks.
Combined Odds: +720
This longshot parlay ties together a game script where the Pelicans’ stars push pace but still fall short. Murphy’s perimeter shooting and Williamson’s rebounding could keep New Orleans competitive for stretches, but the Thunder’s depth should ultimately secure the cover.
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans Pelicans | +14.5 (-110) | +610 | O 234.5 (-110) |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | -14.5 (-110) | -900 | U 234.5 (-110) |
The above odds are sourced from FanDuel.
Odds updated: January 27, 2026 – 12:00 p.m. ET. Lines may move throughout the day.
| Team | Player | Injury | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City Thunder | Nikola Topic | Groin | Out |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | Thomas Sorber | Knee | Out for Season |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | Jalen Williams | Thigh | Out |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | Ajay Mitchell | Hip | Out |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | Alex Caruso | Adductor | Out |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | Cason Wallace | Groin | Questionable |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | Isaiah Hartenstein | Calf | Out |
| New Orleans Pelicans | Dejounte Murray | Leg | Out |
The Thunder vs. Pelicans game tips off at 6:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 27, 2026.
The matchup will be played at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
Fans can catch the game on Gulf Coast Sports, WVUE, Pelicans+, and FDSOK, with streaming available via NBA League Pass.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Date | Tuesday, January 27, 2026 |
| Time | 6:30 p.m. ET |
| Arena | Paycom Center, Oklahoma City |
| TV/Streaming | Gulf Coast Sports, WVUE, Pelicans+, FDSOK |
nba
nfl
wnba We use cookies for ads and to improve your experience. By continuing on the site, you agree to our Privacy Policy. Read more about it