NBA: Pelicans Host Thunder on TNT

Some of the NBA's biggest superstars will be in action this Thursday (8 PM ET, TNT) when the New Orleans Pelicans host the Oklahoma City Thunder. Unfortunately for the Pelicans (22-34 SU, 23-33 ATS), they don't have many good role players supporting their big kahuna, forward Anthony Davis. Three of his most important teammates are on the injured list: center Omer Asik, and guards Tyreke Evans and Eric Gordon.

The Thunder (40-16 SU, 22-34 ATS) could use a little more help for their two MVP candidates, point guard Russell Westbrook and swingman Kevin Durant. But they're much healthier than New Orleans, and they did add guard Randy Foye at the trade deadline in a deal with the Denver Nuggets. Perhaps the change of scenery will help Foye (7.8 PER) rediscover his shooting stroke.

New Orleans has one advantage in this matchup: Oklahoma City will be playing on zero days of rest after visiting the Dallas Mavericks Wednesday night, while the Pelicans will be idle. Otherwise, it's the Thunder's game to lose. They hammered New Orleans 121-95 on February 11, cashing in easily as 12-point home favorites, and that was with Asik still in the lineup for the Pelicans.

Will Pelicans Fly Versus OKC ?
The long season could get even longer for the New Orleans Pelicans (22-34 SU, 23-33 ATS) when they host the Oklahoma City Thunder (40-16 SU, 22-34 ATS) this Thursday night. Tip-off is at 8 PM ET on TNT.

The Pelicans have three key players on the injured list at press time: center Omer Asik (11.6 PER), and guards Tyreke Evans (18.4 PER) and Eric Gordon (13.1 PER). Oklahoma City is relatively healthy; two weeks ago, the Thunder mauled New Orleans 121-95 as 12-point home favorites, and that was with Asik starting for the Pelicans.

I'm a little upset about Clippers performance last week. Hopefully they will go better next time with a better offense.