The New Orleans Pelicans are set to face off against the Golden State Warriors in a crucial NBA Cup matchup on Friday night as part of the 2024 in-season tournament. The game will take place at 7:30 p.m. ET at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. Currently, the Pelicans are 4-12 overall and 3-5 when playing at home, while the Warriors boast an impressive record of 11-3, including 6-2 in away games.
Both teams have had contrasting performances in the in-season tournament; the Warriors are 2-0 in West Group C, whereas the Pelicans hold a record of 1-1. This encounter marks the third face-off of the season between these teams, with Golden State winning their previous two meetings by a margin of at least 15 points each time.
Golden State is currently favored to win by 10.5 points, with the over/under set at 221.5 points. In terms of betting statistics, the Warriors have been strong on the road with a 6-2 record against the spread (ATS), while the Pelicans have a balanced 4-4 record ATS at home.
Looking at the Warriors, their recent form has been impressive, having won eight of their last ten games. Following a dominant 120-97 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, Andrew Wiggins showcased his scoring ability with 27 points, while Stephen Curry contributed 23 points, reaffirming his status as a key player.
On the other hand, the Pelicans are grappling with injuries among their key players. Brandon Ingram is questionable for the game due to a sprained ankle, while CJ McCollum is doubtful with a hip injury. This comes at a time when the Pelicans have struggled, losing five of their last six games against playoff teams. However, they may have found a bright spot in rookie Antonio Reeves, who made a substantial impact in his last outing, scoring 34 points.
Fans should remain hopeful as the Pelicans have shown resilience in challenging circumstances. Despite their recent struggles, the emergence of young talent like Reeves provides an avenue for renewed optimism. Both teams will be eager to make a statement as the season progresses, making for an exciting matchup.
In summary, this upcoming game pits two teams at different stages of their seasons against each other, with the seasoned Warriors looking to maintain their dominant form, while the Pelicans seek to overcome injury challenges and capitalize on emerging talent.