Western Conference Playoffs: New Orleans Pelicans vs Golden State Warriors, Game 1 Prediction — 4–28–2018
Free NBA Playoff Prediction by George Hampton of King Sports Picks
New Orleans Pelicans (48–34) at Golden State Warriors (58–24)
Saturday, April 28th, 10:30 PM EST
Line: Warriors -8.5, 223.5
A second-round playoff matchup in the Western Conference on Saturday night when the New Orleans Pelicans visit the Golden State Warriors. Oddsmakers have the Warriors listed as -8.5 point favorites and the O/U is 223.5.
New Orleans took down the Portland Trail Blazers in a four-game sweep in their first-round matchup. The Pelicans not only swept the Blazers but they went 4–0 ATS and the average margin of victory of 9 points. Anthony Davis and the Pelicans are now riding a big wave of momentum entering this series vs the defending NBA champs. Davis was a nightmare matchup for the Blazers, averaging 33 PPG and 14 rebounds throughout the series and the backcourt of Jrue Holiday and Rajon Rondo has been among the best in these playoffs. New Orleans is 8–0 ATS their last 8 games vs teams from the Pacific Division.
Golden State had little trouble with the San Antonio Spurs winning 4–1. The biggest question for the Warriors heading into the second round of the playoffs is whether two-time league MVP Stephen Curry is finally going to make his first appearance in this postseason this Saturday. Even without Curry, the Warriors have enough weapons to sustain the momentum on offense. However, they are facing a much better team in New Orleans than in San Antonio. Kevin Durant is averaging 28.2 points and 8.6 rebounds while Klay Thompson is averaging 22.6 points and 2.8 assists to lead the Warriors in the Playoffs. The Warriors are 3–12 ATS in their last 15 games following a straight up win.
I foresee the public backing the Warriors in this matchup and they certainly deserve the respect. However, it’s hard to overlook how good the Pelicans looked vs the Blazers and Anthony Davis is a mismatch for most teams in the league including the Warriors. I think -8.5 points is too many to lay vs a very dangerous, and hot, Pelicans team.
Pelicans vs Warriors Game 1 Pick: Pelicans +8.5
