The New Orleans Pelicans (4-3) welcome the Golden State Warriors (3-6) to Smoothie King Center Friday. Tip is set for 8:30 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Warriors vs. Pelicans odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
The Warriors are coming into this battle following an underwhelming performance in a 130-129 loss to the Orlando Magic. The reigning champs have now lost 4 in a row, 3 of which are to teams in the East unlikely to make the playoffs.
Golden State gave up 77 points in the 2nd half to Orlando. The Warriors are led by 2-time MVP G Stephen Curry, who is averaging 31 points per game and shooting 48.7% from the field.
The Pelicans appear to finally be healthy after having injury issues with their top players. New Orleans is coming off a brutal 120-117 overtime loss on Wednesday to the Los Angeles Lakers.
It is led this season by F Zion Williamson, who is averaging 22.8 points per game. F Brandon Ingram and G CJ McCollum also average over 20 per game.
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Warriors at Pelicans odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 12:13 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Warriors +150 (bet $100 to win $150) | Pelicans -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Warriors +4.5 (-110) | Pelicans -4.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 223.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
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Warriors at Pelicans key injuries
Warriors
- Not yet submitted
Pelicans
- F Brandon Ingram (concussion) probable
- F Herb Jones (knee) probable
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Warriors at Pelicans picks and predictions
Prediction
Pelicans 119, Warriors 113
Moneyline
PASS.
Playing New Orleans to win isn’t worth the value, and Golden State is playing terrible defense now which makes it unplayable as well.
Against the spread
BET PELICANS -4.5 (-110).
The Warriors are better than they’ve been playing, but the championship hangover is real.
They turn the ball over at the 8th-highest rate and do not rebound well, which is going to be brutal against the Pelicans, a team that ranks 4th in offensive rebounding rate.
They don’t have the size or athleticism to keep Williamson off the offensive glass either. New Orleans has the 6th-best net rating, so a case can be made it is better than its record indicates as well.
The well-oiled Warriors offense is clicking at a high level and generating open looks, but they sit just 7th in effective field goal rate. New Orleans is 10th. Golden State’s defense ranks 26th in defensive rating as well.
Put it all together, and back the Pelicans -4.5 (-110) here.
Over/Under
LEAN OVER 223.5 (-108).
The Warriors play at the 3rd-highest pace and will give up plenty of 2nd-chance opportunities on the glass. That should result in the Pelicans being able to score with ease.
Golden State’s offense has a few of the most dynamic scorers in the game, so it should score. The Warriors have scored 113 or more in 4 of their last 5 games. Back the Over 223.5 (-108) here.
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