Pelicans vs. Warriors Point Spread: NBA Odds, Prediction
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Charlie Grant
It could get real scary for New Orleans backers if MVP candidate Anthony Davis is still sidelined for this matchup.
NBA Point Spread and Betting Analysis
The Pelicans are 0-2 straight up with Davis recovering from an elbow problem, but they’ve covered the spread in nine of the last 16 games without the All-Star big man.
New Orleans is playing with the fourth fastest pace in the Association behind only Washington, Sacramento and Atlanta, and the Over is 4-2 in its six games. The Pelicans are just 2-8 SU in their last 10 games against the Warriors, but they’ve looked more competitive against the defending champions since Boogie Cousins dropped out of the starting lineup.
The Pelicans 4-2 ATS in the last six meetings between the two clubs – including last spring when they met up in the Western Conference semifinals.
The Warriors are enjoying life as kings of the NBA castle. They’re riding a five-game winning streak and they’ve covered bloated spreads in four out of those five. The Dubs have scored 120 or more points in six of eight games and the Over is 5-3 in their games this season.
New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans opened the season 4-0 SU (3-1 ATS) thanks in large part to AD’s contributions. Davis is averaging a team best 27.3 points, 13.3 rebounds 2.5 steals and 3.75 blocks per game. Head coach Alvin Gentry told reporters Davis’ status for Wednesday’s game will be determined after the shoot around.
The Pelicans still have offensive options if the Brow is a no-go. Nikola Mirotic is hitting better than 40 percent of his attempts from long range, backup big man Julius Randle is averaging 17.7 points in a New Orleans jersey in just 23 minutes per game, and combo guard Jrue Holiday is a steadying force.
One more minor injury to watch out for: Starting point guard Elfrid Payton sat out the Monday’s game against Denver and won’t play against Golden State because of a sore ankle.
Golden State Warriors
In a week’s span, NBA fans witnessed Stephen Curry going for 51 points, Kevin Durant torching the Knicks for 41 points, and then on Monday night teammate Klay Thompson one-upped them both. The sharp-shooting wing knocked down 14 of 24 shots from 3-point land, and finished the game with 52 points in just 27 minutes on the floor.
The 14 made triples broke the record for most in a game. The previous record holder just happens to be his teammate Stephen Curry.
