Pelicans vs Oklahoma Prediction 18 November 2025
🔊 The matchup between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Oklahoma City Thunder is set for Tuesday on the court of the Western Conference underdogs. The hosts have unsurprisingly stumbled out of the gate this season, sinking to the bottom of the West and already making a coaching change. Can they put up any kind of fight against the reigning champions? Let's delve into the game and offer a well-founded prediction.
Head-to-Head
📊Statistical analysis of the previous official games between the New Orleans Pelicans and Oklahoma City Thunder:
- The teams have faced off 54 times;
- Victories (including overtime): 16 for today's home team and 38 for the visitors;
- The home team averages 103.43 points per game, while the visitors average 110.3;
- The average total score per game is 213.72.
The last showdown took place on 02 November 2025 at the Oklahoma City Thunder's home court and ended with a score of 137-106.
Head-to-head statistics Pelicans - Oklahoma

New Orleans Pelicans Team Overview
The New Orleans Pelicans are enduring a rough patch, having suffered five consecutive defeats. Over their last ten games, they have managed only two victories. Despite averaging around 103 points per game at home, the Pelicans frequently struggle with defensive issues and buckle under opponent pressure. Their weak performance under the basket and lack of accuracy from long range make them highly vulnerable.
In their most recent matchup, even under the guidance of a new coach, New Orleans couldn't handle Golden State at home, losing 106-124. Zion remains sidelined with an injury (perhaps it's time to consider retirement, given he plays only 20-30 games per season?), and the current level of players like Murphy, Alvarado, Missy, and others does not inspire hope for a brighter future.
Match Results: New Orleans Pelicans

Oklahoma City Thunder Team Overview
The Oklahoma City Thunder are on a roll, having won all of their last five games in a row. Over their last ten outings, they've secured nine victories with just one slip-up. On the road, they average over 120 points per game, while their strong defensive line limits opponents' opportunities. The team favors a fast-paced game, focusing on three-point shots and solid zone defense. Historically, the Thunder have performed well against the Pelicans both at home and away.
Under Mike Daigneault, the squad has been playing like they're in a league of their own for the second consecutive season, often dominating without exerting maximum effort. In their previous matchup, the Thunder comfortably dispatched Charlotte on the road with a 109-96 victory. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren scored 33 and 25 points respectively, while the rest of the team delivered their usual stellar defensive performance. As a result, fans have no reason to worry- their favorites are the clear frontrunners this season.
Match Results: Oklahoma City Thunder
Prediction for the 1st quarter
Head-to-head matches:
- Total encounters - 54;
- First-quarter wins at home - 11; away - 13;
- Average first-quarter total: 54.7;
- Today's home team averages 25.52 points, while the visitors score 29.19.
First-quarter stats: New Orleans Pelicans (home) vs Oklahoma City Thunder (away)
- Games played in the tournament: 9 vs 12;
- Wins: 4 (44.44%) vs 4 (33.33%);
- Losses: 5 (55.56%) vs 7 (58.33%);
- Draws: 0 (0%) vs 1 (8.33%).
- Average points scored: 29.11 vs 29;
- Average points conceded: 30.44 vs 28.83.
Last 10 matches (overall):
- Wins: 3 vs 5;
- Losses: 7 vs 4;
- Draws: 0 vs 1;
- Average first-quarter total: 57.3 (scored - 25.9, conceded - 31.4) vs 56.7 (scored - 30.4, conceded - 26.3).
- New Orleans Pelicans have lost the first quarter in 7 of their last 8 head-to-head NBA meetings with Oklahoma City Thunder.
Outcome Prediction
Head-to-Head:
- Total encounters - 54;
- Home victories - 16, away victories - 38.
- The New Orleans Pelicans cover the +21.5 spread at home in 25 of the last 26 head-to-head meetings with this team (NBA).
Total Points Prediction
Head-to-Head:
- Average total points per game for the home team - 103.43, for the visitors - 110.3;
- Average total points in head-to-head games - 213.72.
Statistics: New Orleans Pelicans vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
- Average tournament total: 230.88 vs. 225.05;
- Average points scored: 111.41 vs. 117.95;
- Average points conceded: 119.47 vs. 107.1;
- Average points scored in the first half: 56.35 vs. 59.3;
- Average points scored in the second half: 54.53 vs. 56.2;
- New Orleans Pelicans: average points scored at home in the tournament - 112.33;
- Oklahoma City Thunder: average points scored away in the tournament - 116.67;
- Last 10 games (average points scored): 107.9 (home - 110.75) vs. 121.8 (away - 120).
- The New Orleans Pelicans score less than 106.5 points in 8 of the last 9 head-to-head meetings with this team (NBA).