The New Orleans Pelicans are set to take on the Golden State Warriors in a 2024 NBA Cup game on Friday, as part of the 2024 NBA in-season tournament. New Orleans has encountered a tough start this season, with a record of 4-12 overall and 3-5 at home. Meanwhile, Golden State has been performing exceptionally well, boasting an 11-3 record overall and 6-2 on the road. The Warriors have gone 2-0 in West Group C play, whereas the Pelicans are at 1-1 in this in-season tournament. This matchup marks the third encounter between the two teams this season, with Golden State winning each previous game by at least 15 points.
The game will tip-off at 7:30 p.m. ET from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. Current betting odds favor the Warriors by 10.5 points, and the over/under is set at 221.5 points.
The Warriors are coming off a dominant 120-97 win against the Atlanta Hawks, with Andrew Wiggins scoring 27 points. Stephen Curry, expected to play following a knee issue, leads Golden State with impressive averages of 23 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game. The Warriors have also shown consistency against the spread, holding a record of 10-4 this season and 6-2 on the road.
On the Pelicans’ side, they face challenges as they are 1-5 in their last six games, but this stretch has featured tough competition against playoff teams from the previous year. Despite struggles, rookie Antonio Reeves has emerged as a promising player, recently scoring 34 points after gaining more playing time. The fitness of key players is a concern, as Brandon Ingram is questionable due to a sprained ankle and CJ McCollum is doubtful with a hip issue. The absence of key players like Zion Williamson further complicates the Pelicans’ situation.
For fans and bettors, the match promises to be an intriguing battle. With the Warriors’ strong record and current form, they appear to be the favorites. However, the emergence of talent from the Pelicans could indicate potential for an upset.
In summary, while the Warriors dominate the matchup on paper, the Pelicans are resilient and may surprise fans with key performances if their young players step up. The game will showcase not only the star power of the Warriors but also the growing capabilities of the Pelicans as they look to turn their season around. This optimism around player development could bode well for New Orleans in the long run.