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NBA · Final

Pelicans Edge Thunder in Close Contest

Tuesday, October 6, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · BOK Center

New Orleans Pelicans 116, Oklahoma City Thunder 110, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

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Quick answers

Who won New Orleans Pelicans vs Oklahoma City Thunder?

New Orleans Pelicans beat Oklahoma City Thunder 116-110 at BOK Center on October 6, 2026.

Who was favored in New Orleans Pelicans vs Oklahoma City Thunder?

New Orleans Pelicans were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -130 (about 57% implied). The favorite won.

In a closely contested matchup, the New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 116-110 at the BOK Center. The victory marked the Pelicans' second consecutive win over the Thunder, extending their head-to-head record to 3-0 this season. The Thunder, on the other hand, fell to 0-1 in the current series, which is set to continue on November 20.

The Pelicans entered the game with a record of 1-0, while the Thunder were looking to bounce back from their opening loss. Recent form indicated a stark contrast between the two teams; the Thunder had a 7-3 record over their last ten games, but were on a two-game losing streak, averaging 121.1 points scored and allowing 110.8. In contrast, the Pelicans had struggled significantly, with a 1-9 record in their last ten games, averaging 115.9 points scored but allowing a concerning 126.3 points.

At home, the Thunder had a solid record of 5-1, while the Pelicans struggled on the road, holding an 0-7 record away from home. This game was crucial for both teams, with the Thunder aiming to leverage their home advantage and the Pelicans seeking to build momentum after their recent win.

In terms of injuries, the Thunder had several players listed as day-to-day, including Jaylin Williams (heel), Thomas Sorber (knee), Nikola Topic (back), Cason Wallace (rest), and Alex Caruso (rest). The Pelicans also had Bryce McGowens listed as day-to-day due to a toe injury, which could potentially impact their lineup.

The betting odds from DraftKings favored the Pelicans, who were priced at -2.5 on the spread, indicating a close contest. The total points line was set at 223.5, reflecting expectations for a competitive scoring environment.

As the game progressed, the fourth quarter saw a flurry of scoring plays that ultimately decided the outcome. Key moments included a 23-foot three-point jumper by Bryce McGowens, assisted by Jaron Pierre Jr., which tied the game at 107. Following that, a series of successful plays by the Pelicans, including a running dunk by Karlo Matkovic and a three-pointer from Jaron Pierre Jr., helped them pull ahead. Despite a late push from the Thunder, including a layup from Anthony Pritchard, the Pelicans maintained their lead.

The final scoring plays showcased the Pelicans' ability to execute under pressure, with Trendon Watford making crucial free throws to seal the victory. The Thunder's home win probability at the end of the game was recorded at 0.0, underscoring the Pelicans' control in the closing moments.

Overall, this game highlighted the Pelicans' resilience and ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, while the Thunder will need to regroup and address their recent struggles as they look ahead to their next matchup.

What we said beforehand

The Oklahoma City Thunder and New Orleans Pelicans are set to face off at the BOK Center on October 7, 2026, marking the beginning of their series that continues on November 20. Both teams enter this matchup with a record of 0-0, making it an intriguing season opener for fans and players alike.

In their last five games, the Thunder have a record of 2 wins and 3 losses against the San Antonio Spurs, with scores of 123-108, 103-82, 127-114, 118-91, and 111-103. This recent form shows a mixed bag of results, but they have averaged 121.1 points per game while allowing 110.8 points. The Thunder have a home record of 0-0, but they were strong at home last season, finishing 5-1 in their last six home games.

Conversely, the Pelicans have struggled recently, with a record of 1 win and 4 losses in their last five games, including a notable win against the Utah Jazz (156-137) and losses to the Sacramento Kings (117-113), Orlando Magic (112-108), Boston Celtics (144-118), and Minnesota Timberwolves (132-126). New Orleans has averaged 115.9 points scored and allowed 126.3 points during this stretch. They will be looking to improve their away record, which has been a challenge, as they finished last season with a 0-7 away record.

Historically, the Thunder have had the upper hand in their recent encounters with the Pelicans, winning all three meetings in the 2026 season. The last matchup took place on January 28, 2026, where the Thunder secured a 104-95 victory at home. Earlier in the season, they also defeated the Pelicans 126-109 away and 137-106 at home, showcasing their dominance in this series.

In terms of injuries, the Thunder have several players listed as day-to-day: Jaylin Williams (heel), Thomas Sorber (knee), Nikola Topic (back), Cason Wallace (rest), and Alex Caruso (rest). The Pelicans will be monitoring Bryce McGowens, who is also day-to-day with a toe injury. The status of these players may impact the game, depending on their availability.

The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, has priced the Pelicans as 1.5-point favorites with a money line of -112, while the Thunder are at -108. The total points line is set at 223.5, with both the over and under priced at -110.

As the game approaches, viewers should watch for how the Thunder's home advantage plays out against the Pelicans' struggles on the road. Additionally, the performance of the Thunder's key players and the impact of any injuries will be crucial in determining the outcome of this early-season clash.

Odds

BookSpreadTotalMoneyline
DraftKingsNO -2.5 223.5 o -110 / u -110 New Orleans Pelicans -130 · Oklahoma City Thunder +110

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Injury report

  • Jaylin WilliamsDay-To-DayHeelOklahoma City Thunder
  • Thomas SorberDay-To-DayKneeOklahoma City Thunder
  • Nikola TopicDay-To-DayBackOklahoma City Thunder
  • Cason WallaceDay-To-DayRestOklahoma City Thunder
  • Alex CarusoDay-To-DayRestOklahoma City Thunder
  • Bryce McGowensDay-To-DayToeNew Orleans Pelicans

Leaders

  • PointsBennett Stirtz15Oklahoma City Thunder
  • AssistsBennett Stirtz6Oklahoma City Thunder
  • ReboundsAday Mara9Oklahoma City Thunder
  • PointsBennedict Mathurin13New Orleans Pelicans
  • AssistsDejounte Murray6New Orleans Pelicans
  • ReboundsDerik Queen9New Orleans Pelicans

Recent form

Oklahoma City Thunder

Last 10: 7-3Streak L2121.1 scored · 110.8 allowed per game5-1 at home

  • L103-135vs Phoenix SunsApr 13
  • L107-127at Denver NuggetsApr 11
  • W128-110at LA ClippersApr 9
  • W123-87at Los Angeles LakersApr 8
  • W146-111vs Utah JazzApr 5
  • W139-96vs Los Angeles LakersApr 3
  • W114-110vs Detroit PistonsMar 31
  • W111-100vs New York KnicksMar 29
  • W131-113vs Chicago BullsMar 28
  • L109-119at Boston CelticsMar 25

New Orleans Pelicans

Last 10: 1-9Streak L2115.9 scored · 126.3 allowed per game0-7 away

  • L126-132at Minnesota TimberwolvesApr 13
  • L118-144at Boston CelticsApr 10
  • W156-137vs Utah JazzApr 8
  • L108-112vs Orlando MagicApr 5
  • L113-117at Sacramento KingsApr 4
  • L106-118at Portland Trail BlazersApr 3
  • L102-134vs Houston RocketsMar 29
  • L106-119at Toronto RaptorsMar 28
  • L108-129at Detroit PistonsMar 26
  • L116-121at New York KnicksMar 24

Standings

TeamGames behindLostStreakWin %Won
Memphis-0W11.0001
New Orleans-0W11.0001
Dallas0.50-.0000
Houston0.50-.0000
San Antonio0.50-.0000
Minnesota-0W11.0001
Utah-0W11.0001
Portland0.50-.0000
Oklahoma City11L1.0000
Denver11L1.0000

Box score

StatNew Orleans PelicansOklahoma City Thunder
Field goals35-8740-76
Field goal %4053
Three-pointers12-3316-33
Three-point %3648
Free throws34-4714-21
Free throw %7267
Rebounds5146
Offensive rebounds186
Defensive rebounds3340
Assists2429
Steals146
Blocks48
Turnovers1122
Team turnovers11
Technical fouls00
Technical fouls, total00
Flagrant fouls00
Points off turnovers926
Fast-break points2325
Points in the paint4248
Fouls1730
Largest lead824
Lead changes44
Time in front2276

How the scoring went

  1. 3rd Quarter72-91Bennedict Mathurin makes free throw 1 of 3
  2. 3rd Quarter73-91Bennedict Mathurin makes free throw 2 of 3
  3. 3rd Quarter74-91Bennedict Mathurin makes free throw 3 of 3
  4. 3rd Quarter75-91Jeremiah Fears makes free throw 2 of 2
  5. 3rd Quarter77-91Saddiq Bey makes running layup (Bennedict Mathurin assists)
  6. 3rd Quarter78-91Saddiq Bey makes free throw 1 of 1
  7. 3rd Quarter79-91Bennedict Mathurin makes free throw 1 of 2
  8. 3rd Quarter80-91Bennedict Mathurin makes free throw 2 of 2
  9. 3rd Quarter82-91Derik Queen makes tip shot
  10. 3rd Quarter83-91Jordan Poole makes free throw 1 of 2
  11. 3rd Quarter84-91Jordan Poole makes free throw 2 of 2
  12. 3rd Quarter86-91Jordan Poole makes 11-foot two point shot
  13. 3rd Quarter86-93Andrew Holifield makes dunk (Christoph Tilly assists)
  14. 3rd Quarter88-93Jordan Poole makes 19-foot pullup jump shot
  15. 3rd Quarter89-93Saddiq Bey makes free throw 1 of 2
  16. 3rd Quarter90-93Saddiq Bey makes free throw 2 of 2
  17. 4th Quarter92-93Trendon Watford makes 2-foot layup (Karlo Matkovic assists)
  18. 4th Quarter92-95Bennett Stirtz makes driving layup
  19. 4th Quarter94-95Kobe Bufkin makes 15-foot two point shot
  20. 4th Quarter95-95Bryce McGowens makes free throw 1 of 2
  21. 4th Quarter96-95Bryce McGowens makes free throw 2 of 2
  22. 4th Quarter98-95Bryce McGowens makes running dunk (Trendon Watford assists)
  23. 4th Quarter98-96Christoph Tilly makes free throw 1 of 2
  24. 4th Quarter100-96Trendon Watford makes two point shot
  25. 4th Quarter100-98Christoph Tilly makes 1-foot two point shot (Anthony Pritchard assists)
  26. 4th Quarter102-98Kobe Bufkin makes 15-foot turnaround jump shot
  27. 4th Quarter102-100Otega Oweh makes 3-foot reverse layup (Brooks Barnhizer assists)
  28. 4th Quarter102-102Brooks Barnhizer makes 2-foot two point shot
  29. 4th Quarter103-102Kobe Bufkin makes free throw 1 of 2
  30. 4th Quarter104-102Kobe Bufkin makes free throw 2 of 2
  31. 4th Quarter104-105Anthony Pritchard makes 25-foot three point jumper (Christoph Tilly assists)
  32. 4th Quarter104-107Anthony Pritchard makes running dunk
  33. 4th Quarter107-107Bryce McGowens makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jaron Pierre Jr. assists)
  34. 4th Quarter109-107Karlo Matkovic makes 1-foot running dunk (Jaron Pierre Jr. assists)
  35. 4th Quarter111-107Trendon Watford makes running dunk (Jaron Pierre Jr. assists)
  36. 4th Quarter114-107Jaron Pierre Jr. makes 31-foot three point jumper (Bryce McGowens assists)
  37. 4th Quarter115-107Karlo Matkovic makes free throw 2 of 2
  38. 4th Quarter115-109Anthony Pritchard makes 2-foot layup (Brooks Barnhizer assists)
  39. 4th Quarter115-110Brooks Barnhizer makes free throw 1 of 2
  40. 4th Quarter116-110Trendon Watford makes free throw 1 of 2

Win probability

Above the line favours Oklahoma City Thunder, below favours New Orleans Pelicans.

Venue

  • BOK CenterTulsa, OK
  • OfficialsRay Acosta, Chelisa Painter, Sean Wright, Sean Corbin, Jenna Reneau

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Fixture data from the league feeds. The report was written from the recorded facts for this game and nothing else.