NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
The Golden State Warriors travel to the Smoothie King Center this Tuesday, February 24, for an 8:00 PM tip-off against the New Orleans Pelicans. Golden State enters the night with a 30-27 record, currently fighting to keep their heads above water in a crowded Western Conference playoff race. They are coming off a high-octane 128-117 victory over the Denver Nuggets, a game where their depth players really stepped up in the absence of their franchise centerpiece.
The New Orleans Pelicans have had a difficult season, sitting at 16-42, but they showed plenty of life in their last outing by taking down the Philadelphia 76ers 126-111. This matchup finds both teams dealing with significant absences, making the rotation battle more important than usual for bettors. The Warriors are listed as a 2.0 point road favorite in a game that will be broadcast locally on NBCS.
Trusted NBA betting insight.
Designed for long-term profit.
Golden State Warriors vs New Orleans Pelicans Odds
The market has opened with a tight spread, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding both lineups. I recommend checking the latest NBA odds throughout the afternoon, as even a minor update regarding the availability of secondary scorers could move this line across the key number of two.
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| Golden State Warriors | -128 | -2.0 (-113) | O 224.5 (-110) |
| New Orleans Pelicans | +106 | +2.0 (-109) | U 224.5 (-112) |
Golden State Warriors Betting Form
Golden State is currently in a strange spot where their ceiling is capped by injuries but their floor remains surprisingly high. Even without Steph Curry and Kristaps Porzingis, they managed to put 128 points on a solid Denver defense. The emergence of Brandin Podziemski has been a godsend for bettors who backed them lately. His 18 point, 15 rebound, and 9 assist performance against the Nuggets showed that the Warriors can still facilitate a high-level offense without their usual stars. You can keep an eye on their efficiency metrics at the Golden State Warriors stats and results page.
The Warriors still lead the NBA in three-pointers made and attempted per game. This volume-based approach from the perimeter makes them a high-variance team, but it also means they can cover a small spread like -2.0 very quickly if they get hot. Moses Moody and Al Horford have both taken on larger scoring roles recently, which provides some stability to a rotation that has been shuffled frequently. Before placing a bet, it is essential to check the Golden State Warriors injury report to see if any of their veterans are being rested on this road trip.
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Form
The Pelicans have struggled to find consistent wins this year, but their performance against Philadelphia suggests they haven’t quit on the season. Jordan Poole led the way with 23 points in that win, and Zion Williamson looked like his dominant self by chipping in 21 points and 8 assists. When Zion is healthy and moving the ball, this team plays at a much higher level than their 16-42 record would imply. Their pace is also notable, as they rank 11th in the league with over 100 possessions per game. Detailed trends can be found on the New Orleans Pelicans schedule and stats page.
Defense remains the primary concern for New Orleans. They are currently allowing 120.6 points per game, which is among the worst marks in the league. While DeAndre Jordan still provides some rim protection and rebounding, the perimeter defense often collapses against teams that move the ball well. I think this is a critical factor when facing a Golden State team that lives behind the arc. You should definitely monitor the New Orleans Pelicans injury report to ensure Zion and Poole are officially cleared to go, as the line would likely swing toward the Warriors if either is a late scratch.
Golden State Warriors vs New Orleans Pelicans Matchup Breakdown
This matchup is essentially a battle of styles. The Warriors want to spread the floor and launch as many threes as possible, while the Pelicans prefer to use Zion’s gravity to create looks in the paint and at the free-throw line. New Orleans is quite good at drawing fouls, averaging nearly 20 made free throws per game. If they can get the Warriors’ thin frontcourt into early foul trouble, they might be able to dictate the rhythm of the game.
However, the Warriors’ shooting efficiency is hard to ignore. They rank seventh in the league in effective field goal percentage, which spells trouble for a Pelicans defense that consistently gives up high-quality looks. Perhaps the Pelicans can keep it close by dominating the boards, especially with DeAndre Jordan coming off a 15-rebound game, but the Warriors’ ball movement often negates size advantages.
- Golden State’s #1 ranked 3-point volume against a bottom-tier NOP perimeter defense.
- Zion Williamson’s ability to facilitate against a Warriors team missing Porzingis.
- The rebounding battle between DeAndre Jordan and the Warriors’ small-ball units.
- Transition scoring opportunities created by New Orleans’ 11th-ranked pace.
I think the pace will be the deciding factor for the total. Both teams are comfortable playing fast, and neither side has shown much interest in playing lockdown defense lately. If Golden State hits their season average of three-pointers, New Orleans will be forced to play even faster to keep up. For those looking to understand how pace impacts these types of totals, the NBA betting guide offers some great insights into possession-based wagering.
Golden State Warriors vs New Orleans Pelicans Predictions and Best Bets
When it comes to the spread, I think the Warriors at -2.0 is the side to be on. Even with Curry on the sidelines, the offensive system in Golden State is established enough to exploit a Pelicans defense that allows over 120 points a night. Podziemski and Moody are playing with a lot of confidence right now, and I trust the Warriors’ coaching staff to find the right adjustments to limit Zion’s impact just enough to cover this short number.
The total is where the real value might hide. The line is set at 224.5, but our projections have this game landing closer to 232. Given that New Orleans allows 120.6 points per game and the Warriors just hung 128 on the Nuggets, the Over feels like a very reasonable play. I expect a lot of shots from deep and plenty of trips to the line for the Pelicans, which should keep the clock moving in our favor.
Perhaps the Pelicans can make it a game if Zion goes for 30, but I think the Warriors’ depth and shooting volume will eventually wear them down. I’ll take the road favorites and the high-scoring environment.
Best Bet: Warriors -2.0 (-113)
UP TO $250 BONUS BET
The Best Live In-Game Betting
21+ Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
NBA Picks and Handicappers on ScoresAndStats
Finding an edge in the NBA requires more than just checking the box scores from the night before. This is why many successful bettors follow top sports handicappers who spend their days diving into rotation changes and situational trends. At ScoresAndStats, you can see exactly who is on a hot streak by checking the handicapper leaderboard, where every pick is documented and verified for transparency.
If you are looking for more than just a single game lean, today’s NBA picks provide a comprehensive look at the entire slate. For those who want the highest-conviction plays, you can buy expert picks that include detailed analysis and unit recommendations. Whether you are a casual bettor or someone looking to take it more seriously, having access to these professional insights is a game-changer.
