The New Orleans Pelicans are set to face off against the Golden State Warriors in a much-anticipated 2024 NBA Cup game this Friday. This match is part of the 2024 NBA in-season tournament and will take place at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, starting at 7:30 p.m. ET. As of now, the Pelicans hold a record of 4-12 overall, with a 3-5 record at home, while the Warriors boast an impressive 11-3 record overall, including 6-2 on the road.
The Warriors are currently leading West Group C with a perfect 2-0 record in this tournament, whereas the Pelicans come in with a 1-1 record. This game marks the third meeting of the season between these two teams, with the Warriors winning both previous encounters by at least 15 points.
Golden State is favored to win by 10.5 points, according to the latest odds, with an over/under set at 221.5 points. Recent trends suggest a strong potential for the Warriors to cover the spread, especially considering their performance of late, where they have gone 8-2 in their last ten games, including a decisive win against the Hawks.
Key players for the Warriors include Andrew Wiggins and Stephen Curry, who have been pivotal in their success this season. Wiggins is coming off a stellar performance with 27 points against Atlanta, while Curry continues to lead the team in scoring.
On the other hand, the Pelicans have struggled recently, winning just one of their last six games. Despite this, they exhibited resilience during tough stretches, even managing to cover the spread in two of their last four games. Rising star Antonio Reeves, a rookie who recently posted 34 points, may provide a spark for New Orleans, especially in light of several key injuries to players like Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson.
For fans and bettors alike, a crucial point of interest will be how the Pelicans cope with their injury situation and whether they can harness their young talent effectively against a formidable Warriors team.
In summary, while the Warriors are heavily favored, the Pelicans have potential for an upset with the emergence of new talent and a will to compete. Both teams will be looking to solidify their standings as they move deeper into this exciting tournament. Fans can look forward to an exciting matchup filled with anticipation and strategy.