Thursday NBA pick of the day: Thunder vs Pelicans — can New Orleans and Zion Williamson show Oklahoma City some lightning?

1-1 Wednesday, 95-89-1 overall.

Thunder (+3.5) @ Pelicans (234)

Pick: Thunder +3.5

For my final pick before the All-Star break, I’m going right back to the well and fading the New Orleans Pelicans. We were on Portland catching three in New Orleans on Tuesday night and for a half our play looked to be in good shape. The Trail Blazers led by two at halftime, only to get outscored by 20 in the third quarter and never have much of a chance in the fourth as a result. I continue to believe New Orleans is more of a fun watch than an actual good basketball team. The Pelicans opponent tonight, Oklahoma City, has been just the opposite. There’s nothing flashy about this version of the Thunder, but they win more than they lose and are going to be in the playoffs. It’s late enough in the year where results need to start meaning something and Oklahoma City to be catching more than three here just feels like disrespect.