Big favorites with extended rest vs. opponents off short rest have done very well in the NBA playoffs historically and I think we have an ideal set up to have that play out again.  This young Thunder team has been chomping at the bit to make a statement as the West's best team, justifying their regular season over performance.  On the other hand, we have a Pelicans team that had two intense home games - lost their best player and had to rally to secure their first playoff berth in two seasons.  New Orleans will naturally breath a sigh of relief that they're in the playoffs and I think OKC will take advantage.