The race to the 2023 NBA playoffs is heating up. Every night, there are a handful of games that carry huge implications on postseason seeding and hopes. Each outcome has a dramatic impact on betting lines and the futures market.
This is especially true when looking at the odds to win the Western Conference. Twelve of the 15 teams are currently vying for spots in the postseason. The competition between fifth and 12th place is particularly fierce. Just a couple of games separates the top from the bottom. Every head-to-head counts ostensibly for double. And that's why we've circled Tuesday night's game between the New Orleans Pelicans and Golden State Warriors.
Both teams just recently climbed back above .500. The Pelicans, for their part, are riding a five-game winning streak. The Warriors had won three in a row themselves before falling to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night. And though they still sit a half-game in front of the Pelicans, they need Tuesday night's game to knot the season series up at two victories apiece. Suffice it to say, this matchup carries big-time implications. And before we dig deeper into it, here's a look at the latest NBA online betting odds for New Orleans vs. Golden State:
Always remember to double-check these online NBA betting odds until you actually submit your wager. Our Golden State Warriors vs. New Orleans Pelicans betting odds are accurate as of all games played on Monday, March 27. Linemakers will have plenty of time to make adjustments ahead of opening tip-off on Tuesday, March 28, at 10 p.m. EST.
You don't have to worry about staying up to date with the latest odds on Warriors vs. Pelicans if you sign up with the right sportsbook. And we can help you there. Our reviews of the top online sportsbooks are jam-packed with all the intel you need to spot the best online NBA betting sites in 2023.
Now, it's time for Warriors vs. Pelicans predictions!
Are the Warriors Too Heavily Favored to Beat the Pelicans?
Given how uneven the Warriors have performed all season, it's a little surprising to see them as -305 favorites over the Pelicans. Then again, most of Golden State's struggles take place on the road. They're a completely different team at home. They're one of just three squads in the Western Conference that has lost fewer than 10 games on their own turf.
It also helps that the Pelicans are playing on the second night of a back-to-back. There's always a chance they wind up resting Brandon Ingram or CJ McCollum. And let's not forget: New Orleans remains without Zion Williamson, and their offense has been hard-pressed to score in his absence.
Failing any surprise scratches from the Warriors' end, they should be able to take care of business. Of course, that doesn't mean their moneyline is ultra-sexy. You have to bet over $300 just to make $100. Anyone in the market for better value will want to take a look at the point spread. Speaking of which...
OSB Prediction: Golden State Warriors (-305)
Can New Orleans Keep Things vs. Golden State Close on the Second Night of a Back-to-Back?
Below you can see the latest NBA point spread betting odds for Warriors vs. Pelicans:
- Golden State Warriors, -9 (-116)
- New Orleans Pelicans, +9 (-116)
Nine points is a lot to give the Pelicans. While the Warriors may be 30-8 at home, they're beating teams by an average of 7.4 points. Double-digit victories have been hard to come by.
Golden State also typically struggles against teams with length and athleticism on the wings. New Orleans has both. Guys like Herb Jones, Dyson Daniels, Trey Murphy and even Ingram can give the Warriors trouble—especially when Andrew Wiggins won't be in the lineup.
The Pelicans are working on the second night of a back-to-back, so that could explain the larger spread. But they were able to pull their starters early on Monday night against the Portland Trail Blazers because they were up so big. Fatigue should not be an issue. And relative to how well their defense has been faring recently, they're playing like a team that can keep things close.
OSB Prediction: New Orleans Pelicans, +9 (-116)
Here's Why Defense will Prevail for BOTH the Warriors and Pelicans
Take a look at the latest NBA point spread betting odds for New Orleans vs. Golden State:
- Over 234 (-110)
- Under 234 (-110)
On paper, it seems like the Pelicans and Warriors are two teams that skew offense over defense. And on certain nights, they do. But they won't in this game.
The Warriors defense has been exceptional this season when playing at Chase Center. They are third in points allowed per possession at home. Meanwhile, the Pelicans have been one of the NBA's stingiest defensive units over the past few weeks. Their cupcake schedule accounts for part of that rise. Mostly, though, New Orleans has the length and size to really get after opponents. Factor in a mid-range-heavy shot selection for the Pelicans, and this game screams "under" potential.
That doesn't change when looking at the previous Golden State vs. New Orleans matchups this season. Through three games, the Warriors and Pelicans have never totaled more than 221 points. A 234-point threshold feels much too high under the circumstances.
OSB Prediction: Under 234 (-110)
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