Pelicans vs. Warriors Predictions, Odds, Preview

VegasInsider Staff Sports Betting Expert

4 minute read

May 14, 2021

by Michael Crosson
NBA Expert
VegasInsider.com

Western Conference NBA action will resume on Friday night with the Warriors set to host the Pelicans during the final matchup on TNT’s nationally televised slate.

So, VI is getting you ready with a variety of betting resources to help handicap all the evening’s top contests.

Pelicans vs. Warriors Betting Resources

Matchup: Western Conference
Expert Picks: Vegas Insiders
Venue: Chase Center
Location: San Francisco, California
Date: Friday, May 14, 2021
Time: 9:40 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Bet: BetMGM | betrivers |FanDuel |bet365 |DraftKings |Best Sportsbooks

Betting Odds - Pelicans vs. Warriors

Line Movements

Subject to Change

Spread: Warriors -2
Money-Line: Golden State -140, New Orleans +120
Total: 226

Golden State enters Friday’s matchup as a two-point favorite over the visiting Pelicans – marking the third time the Warriors have been favored across their last seven contests.

The over-under for this event currently sits at 226 – which is, on average, 10 points lower than the totals set for the previous two matchups between these teams (236 points).

The Pelicans continue their road trip against the short-handed Warriors on Friday night at Chase Center. (AP)

Pelicans vs. Warriors Current Form-Last Game

The Warriors head into Friday’s matchup boasting wins in six of their last seven games – with Golden State’s only loss during that timeframe coming on the second half of a back-to-back set against their upcoming opponent in this contest, the Pelicans.

Golden State’s most recent affair resulted in a victory over the Suns – as Stephen Curry had a tough night at the offensive end of the floor (21 points, 7-of-22 FGA), but Andrew Wiggins provided more than enough support to propel their team to a six-point win in a contest they were listed as a four-point underdog in.

On the flip side, New Orleans enters Friday following losses in three of the last four games – with the Pelicans only victory across that span coming in a matchup against Charlotte, which was a contest that Lonzo Ball and company trailed by seven points at the start of the fourth quarter.

New Orleans latest matchup resulted in a double-digit loss to the Hornets – as Eric Bledsoe didn’t really stand a chance in this one, considering he was the only typical Pelicans starter that participated in the defeat.

Pelicans vs. Warriors Head-to-Head

May 4, 2021 - Pelicans 108 vs. Warriors 103, New Orleans -1.5, Under 235.5
May 3, 2021 - Warriors 123 at Pelicans 108, Golden State +1.5, Under 236.5

New Orleans and Golden State have split a pair of matchups so far this season – with the first of those contests containing a total of 231 points, which is very close to where the over-under for Friday’s tilt is currently at 226.

While the second of those affairs contained just 211 points, which was a clean ‘under’ result (U 235.5).

The first matchup between these teams took place about a week-and-a-half ago and resulted in a victory for the Pelicans – as Zion Williamson went off for 32 points on 50% from the field while propelling his team to a double-digit victory in a game that they were listed as just a two-point favorite.

The most recent matchup between these teams occurred the day afterwards though, and resulted in a victory for the Warriors – as Curry bounced back with a big 37-point performance on the way to a five-point victory for Golden State.

Not that the following statement has any statistical relevance, but the most recent matchup between these teams was also the contest that Williamson suffered his thumb injury.

(SU-Straight Up, ATS - Against the Spread, OU - Over-Under)

New Orleans Pelicans Betting Outlook

Inside the Stats (2020-2021)

Overall: 31-39 SU, 34-36 ATS, 41-29 OU
Road: 13-22 SU, 18-17 ATS, 18-17 OU

With Zion suffering a fractured finger that is expected to sideline him at least until the start of the playoffs, New Orleans appears to have officially thrown in the towel for the current season – considering Ball, Brandon Ingram, and Steven Adams, have all slowly emerged on the Pelicans’ injury report for minor concerns that have resulted in them missing time down this home stretch.

On a more positive note though, betting the ‘over’ in Pelicans’ games has played at one of the most profitable clips in the league this year – with the total going 'over' at a 41-29 clip in matchups containing New Orleans, which ranks second across the league in that department.

Like New Orleans’ offensive presence though, that trend of high-scoring affairs has also fizzled out lately – which has resulted in the total staying 'under' in nine of the last 11 Pelicans’ games.

Golden State Warriors Betting Outlook

Inside the Stats (2020-2021)

Overall: 37-33 SU, 35-35 ATS, 29-41 OU
Home: 25-12 SU, 21-13 ATS, 16-18 OU

The Warriors officially punched their ticket into the postseason on Monday night thanks to New Orleans loss to the Grizzlies, compounded with Golden State’s thrilling victory over the league-leading Jazz.

Golden State will be looking to stay sharp ahead of Friday’s contest though – considering elimination is still on the horizon, with a potential play-in series against the Lakers looming if the cookie crumbles the wrong way for them down this final stretch of games.

Betting the ‘over’ in Warriors’ games has been one of the most consistent plays throughout the league this season – with the total staying 'under' at a 41-29 clip in matchups containing Golden State.

Golden State seems to have picked up the pace a little bit over its most recent stretch of contests though – which has been highlighted by the total going 'over' in three straight Warriors’ games.

Key Injuries

New Orleans Pelicans

SF Brandon Ingram: Ankle - Questionable
C Steven Adams: Toe - Questionable
PF Zion Williamson: Finger - Out
PG Lonzo Ball: Thumb - Out
SF Josh Hart: Thumb - Out

Golden State Warriors

SF Andrew Wiggins: Knee - Questionable
PG Stephen Curry: Tailbone - Out
PF Draymond Green: Finger - Out
SF Kelly Oubre, Jr.: Wrist - Out
SG Damion Lee: Quarantine - Out
C James Wiseman: Knee - Out
PF Eric Paschall: Hip - Out