The Warriors are hosting the Pelicans on Monday night. On DraftKings Sportsbook, Golden State is favored by 11.5 points and this game carries a total of 229.5 points.
Let’s get into my pick and prediction for this contest.
Warriors vs. Pelicans prediction, preview
After losing their first three games of the season and looking bound for the lottery, the Warriors have really flipped the script, winning seven straight, including victories over the Lakers, Timberwolves and Nuggets. Most recently, Golden State defeated the Magic on Saturday, 126-119.
Stephen Curry has been awesome this season, leading the team with 31.3 PPG on 49% shooting and rookie Yaxel Lendeborg has been tremendous, averaging 21.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game on 50% shooting. On DraftKings Sportsbook, Lendeborg presents the second-best odds to win Rookie of the Year at +310. Brandin Podziemski also is averaging a career-high 15.8 PPG.
The Warriors have been moving and shooting the ball well, ranking second in both assist percentage and true shooting percentage, but their defense has been suspect at times, which is why they rank just 13th in net rating despite the 7-3 record. There are definitely concerns about this Golden State group maintaining this type of play for an entire season, but there is no denying this team is in a rhythm right now and the Warriors are in a great spot to keep it rolling tonight with the Pelicans visiting.
After missing the playoffs for the second year in a row with a 25-56 record last season, New Orleans is off to a 4-6 start this season and the team ranks 18th in net rating. The Pelicans began the season with four losses, then won four in a row and now, they have lost two straight, most recently with a 139-123 loss to the Clippers last night, which is just Los Angeles’ second win of the season.
It’s been the same song and dance for the Pelicans, with Zion Williamson being the centerpiece and Trey Murphy and Dejounte Murray being secondary options. Williamson is leading the team with 21 PPG while Murphy and Murray are averaging 15.6 and 14.9 PPG, respectively. Unfortunately, with this being the second leg of a back-to-back set, both Williamson (rest) and Murphy (knee) have been ruled out for tonight. With them missing, Murray, Jeremiah Fears and Saddiq Bey should be the Pelicans’ main options.
Fears has been hot lately, providing 19, 24 and 25 points in his last three, and his strong scoring run should continue tonight. However, Murray has been ice cold, scoring just seven and six points in his last two while shooting 25% from the field. Murray should provide more scoring with an expanded role tonight, but him leading the Pelicans to a victory is going to be a challenge, as New Orleans is 1-3 with both Williamson and Murphy inactive the last two seasons.
Warriors vs. Pelicans pick, best bet
The Warriors have two extra days of rest in their favor and this buzzing squad should extend its winning streak to eight in a row against this Pelicans team that will be without its two best players.
New Orleans should have major issues on offense with Williamson and Murphy missing, and the Warriors -11.5 is a smart play. This season, Golden State is 7-3 ATS.
