New Orleans Pelicans at Golden State Warriors Betting Preview

The New Orleans Pelicans will head to California for a battle with the Golden State Warriors on Friday night. They have unfortunately been eliminated from playoff contention and will miss out for the second year in a row since securing Zion Williamson. He and Brandon Ingram will likely remain out for this contest, given that the team has nothing on the line right now.

It has been a tough year for a team that entered the year with a pretty good-looking starting five. Eric Bledsoe has obviously been the opposite of what they needed, while Lonzo Ball could not be a winning player every night. They didn’t get consistency from any of their centers. And the offense could score all the points they wanted but would struggle when they had to step up.

Meanwhile, Golden State has now officially clinched a berth in the play-in. They will be playing whoever the #7 seed is in the first game. Portland, Dallas, and the Lakers are all competing to try and avoid that game. Because, rightfully, nobody will want to have to battle with Stephen Curry. This game is important for the Dubs to make sure they don’t fall into the #8 vs #9 game. Memphis is close.

ODDS

The spread for Friday night is favoring GSW -5.5. The over/under is set at 229.5 points.

Pelicans Looking to Finish Strong

Remember those old nursery rhymes? “Chris, Chris, he’s our man! If he can’t do it, no one can!” Well, the verse was supposed to be about Stan being their man, but he has clearly not gotten the job done in his first year. After a few years out of the coaching realm, he returned and has been a certain disappointment. The Pels were probably enamored by his incredible commentary in the bubble.

Most fans would believe he was the best color commentator of the restart. Working alongside Ian Eagle only made his job easier, too. But as a coach, he has fallen short. There will be a lot of pressure to start winning next year. If not, he could be fired pretty quickly. As could GM David Griffin.

Look for Naji Marshall to have a big game in this one.

Dubs Seek Huge Win

A win for the Warriors here could keep the Grizzlies off their back for another day. The teams are currently tied for the #8 seed, with GS having the tie-breaker. Each team sits at 37-33, and the difference lies in the fact that the one with the edge only has to win one game. The lesser club has to win two.

Curry has been having himself an MVP-type year, though he obviously won’t win the award (it belongs to Jokic). He’s been scoring at will, becoming the oldest player to average more than 31 points per game in his 12th season or later. All he does is score, and he has been doing it at rates we haven’t seen in several years.

A healthy Curry means the Warriors are tough to beat every night.

DUBS WIN!

The Warriors will knock off the Pelicans to keep things rolling. 38-33 record.

FREE PLAY: GSW -5.5
OVER/UNDER: UNDER 229.5