For the second year in a row, the Pelicans are in the play-in tournament. After emerging with the No. 8 seed last season after two wins, will the Pelicans even make it past the 9-10 game this season?
Our writes predict what will happen in the Smoothie King Center on Wednesday night between the Pelicans and Oklahoma City Thunder.
Christian Clark
Pelicans 112, Thunder 108: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the best player on either team during the regular season, but Brandon Ingram will be the best player on the floor Wednesday. Ingram has another big game, and New Orleans’ role players knock down enough 3s to win.
Jeff Duncan
Pelicans 104, Thunder 101: Defense wins in the playoffs, and the Pels match up well with Oklahoma City. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is going to get his points. The Pels just need to make him work for everything he gets, while locking down the rest of the Thunder lineup.
Rod Walker
Pelicans 108, Thunder 104: The Pelicans beat the Spurs 113-103 in last year’s home play-in game, leading by 17 going into the fourth quarter. This year’s play-in game vs. the Oklahoma City Thunder won’t be quite that easy. The two best players on the court will be Brandon Ingram and OKC’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Give a slight edge to BI at home.
Leave a Reply