The New Orleans Pelicans will take on the Golden State Warriors this Friday in an NBA Cup game, part of the 2024 in-season tournament. The matchup is set for 7:30 p.m. ET at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. Currently, the Pelicans hold a record of 4-12 overall, including 3-5 when playing at home. In contrast, the Warriors boast a commendable 11-3 record, with 6-2 on the road. The Warriors have shown dominance over the Pelicans this season, winning their previous two encounters by more than 15 points each.
Golden State comes into the game as the favorites, with a spread of -10.5, and an over/under line set at 221.5 points. The Warriors have been a strong bet this season, covering the spread in 10 of their 14 games and showing a solid performance away from home. Meanwhile, the Pelicans, while struggling lately and losing five of their last six games, will look to bounce back, especially if rookie Antonio Reeves continues his promising performances.
The challenge for the Pelicans is heightened by injuries, with key players like Brandon Ingram (questionable) and CJ McCollum (doubtful) potentially sidelined. Ingram leads the team with an average of 23.2 points per game, and his absence could be significant for the Pelicans’ chances. However, the emergence of Reeves, who scored 34 points in his last game, could offer a glimmer of hope.
Despite the Pelicans’ recent struggles, they remain a resilient team, and the intensity of tournament games often leads to surprising outcomes. Fans can look forward to an exciting matchup as the underdogs seek to leverage their home-court advantage against the formidable Warriors.
In summary, this game represents an opportunity for the Pelicans to regroup and showcase the potential of their young talents against one of the best teams in the league. The competitive spirit of the NBA in-season tournament could allow for unexpected twists, making this a must-watch event for basketball enthusiasts.