NBA Predictions: New Orleans Pelicans vs. Oklahoma City Thunder 2/2/18

On Firday, the NBA decided not to discipline Oklahoma City Thunder Russell Westbrook for lightly shoving a fan in the immediate aftermath of their demoralizing loss to the Denver Nuggets according to ESPN NBA reporter Royce Young.

The Thunder shot 46.4 percent in the first half, but only 2-of-13 from 3-point range. Line updates and matchup report. I give the Pelicans the edge 108-102 over the Thunder. Despite having a 20 point lead at one point, they let the Thunder creep back into the game after their second unit came in the beginning of the fourth quarter. And with Westbrook remaining down low, Harris shifted to the wing, a bit farther from the Thunder point guard, received a pass and knocked down the game-winner. Or a triple-double from Nikola Jokic with a career-high in assists (14). Instead the Nuggets are saddled with a two-game losing streak facing consecutive home games against Oklahoma City and Golden State. Those matchups, versus the Boston Celtics and San Antonio Spurs, were decided by a combined three points. OKC averages 54 rebounds a game ranking them fourth in the National Basketball Association.

The Nuggets have been bad covering the spread lately, going 2-6-1 in their past nine at online gambling sites. They have lost their last two and are playing their third game in four days. But the Pelicans responded to the Thunder run and Dante Cunningham knocked down a three at the buzzer that sent New Orleans into the final period holding a 90-83 advantage. Jokic is expected to play but Harris is questionable and Plumlee is out. Oklahoma City comes into this game -8.5 over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday.

The Wizards had eight players score in double figures in their third straight win without All-Star point guard John Wall, who had surgery on his left knee on Wednesday.

The loss moves the Thunder to 30-23 ahead of Super Bowl Sunday’s game against the Lakers.