Western Conference Playoffs: New Orleans Pelicans vs Golden State Warriors, 5–8–2018
Free NBA Playoff Prediction by Hank Downey of ATS Experts
New Orleans Pelicans (53–37) vs Golden State Warriors (65–26)
Date: May 8th, 2018
Game Time: 10:30 pm
NBA Odds: Warriors -11.5, 226.5
The Golden State Warriors can end the New Orleans Pelicans season with a win tonight at the Oracle Arena. Golden State took the first two games of the series, winning 123–101 at home in Game 1 Saturday and Game 2 by a 121–116 count at home Tuesday night. New Orleans rebounded by taking a dominant 119–100 win at home in Game 3 Friday night. In Game 4, Golden State jumped out early and cruised to a 118–92 win to take a 3–1 series edge.
After losing Games 1 and 2, the Pelicans responded with a convincing Game 3 victory. However, the Pelicans fell flat in their Game 4 performance losing by 26 points. Anthony Davis has lived up to expectations in these playoffs and is averaging 29 points, 12 rebounds and PG Jrue Holliday has stepped up with 23 points and 12 assists. In Game 4, the Pelicans turned the ball over 19 times which led to 21 points by Golden State. New Orleans will need to drastically cut down the turnovers to have a shot at winning tonight on the road.
Kevin Durant paced the Warriors in Game 4 with 38 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, one steal and one blocked shot. Stephen Curry added 23 points along with Klay Thompson who dropped 13 points to help spur this Warriors offense which can be unstoppable at times. Golden State was successful at defending the 3-point shot in Game 4 as the Pelicans hit only 4 of 26 from downtown.
The Warriors are 18–21 ATS as a double-digit favorite this season, which is surprisingly good laying double digits. The Pelicans need a lot to go right and they can not go down big early or turn the ball over. I think the Pelicans have players that are determined to not lay down without a fight. I expect New Orleans to fight to the end and while Golden State should win this game, I look for the Pelicans to cover this double-digit spread.
Pelicans vs Warriors Free Pick: Pelicans +11.5
