Thunder host Pelicans in lopsided NBA matchup

Top player prop bets for Tuesday's game between New Orleans and Oklahoma City

Jan. 27, 2026 at 3:47pm

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The Oklahoma City Thunder are heavily favored at home against the New Orleans Pelicans in Tuesday's NBA matchup. Despite the lopsided odds, there are still some intriguing player prop bets to consider, including Zion Williamson's combined points and rebounds and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's assists.

Why it matters

This game features a stark contrast in team performance, with the Thunder boasting a strong defensive unit while the Pelicans have struggled on that end of the floor. The prop bets offer a way for bettors to capitalize on individual player performances in what could be a one-sided affair.

The details

The Thunder are 14.5-point favorites at home with -850 odds to win on the moneyline. The game total is set at 233.5 combined points. For player props, Zion Williamson's combined points and rebounds is set at 27.5, a line he has exceeded in 19 of 32 games this season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's assists prop is set at 7.5, a number he has gone under in 33 of 45 games this year due to a depleted supporting cast with several Thunder players out with injuries.

  • The game tips off at 8 p.m. EST on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

The players

Zion Williamson

The star forward for the New Orleans Pelicans, averaging 22.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per game this season.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The reigning NBA MVP and star guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, averaging 32.1 points per game this season.

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What they’re saying

“I wavered some when trying to decide what prop bet I wanted for Zion Williamson in this contest. Over 21.5 points looked pretty solid since he's exceeded that line in seven of his last 10 games, but I also worry a little bit about how strong the Thunder are at defending the paint with the fewest points allowed there of any NBA team.”

— Keagan Smith, Author (draftkings.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This game highlights the stark contrast between the Thunder's stifling defense and the Pelicans' porous defense, making prop bets on individual player performances an intriguing option for bettors despite the lopsided odds.