Golden State Warriors vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction, Odds & Picks | 02.24.26

Golden State Warriors vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction, Odds & NBA Picks | 02.24.26

The Golden State Warriors (30-27) travel to the Smoothie King Center to face the New Orleans Pelicans (16-42) this Tuesday at 8:00 PM. While the Warriors are fighting to maintain their playoff positioning in a crowded Western Conference, the Pelicans are looking to find consistency amidst a difficult season. Despite a massive injury list for the visitors, this matchup remains pivotal for the postseason race.

Golden State Warriors vs New Orleans Pelicans Matchup Preview

Golden State Warriors Key Stats & Trends

The Warriors have been forced to reinvent themselves due to the absence of their primary stars. Brandin Podziemski has stepped up as a vital catalyst, leading the team with 12.1 PPG while providing a versatile stat line of 4.8 RPG and 3.7 APG. In the absence of Stephen Curry, the offensive initiation falls heavily on Draymond Green, who continues to anchor the team with 5.7 RPG and 5.1 APG. Golden State relies on high-volume ball movement and perimeter depth to compensate for their missing interior presence.

Injury Report Golden State Warriors

• De’Anthony Melton (Day-to-day): Melton (knee) is questionable for Tuesday’s game against the Pelicans.
• Al Horford (Day-to-day): Horford is questionable for Tuesday’s game against the Pelicans due to left toe injury management.
• Draymond Green (Day-to-day): Green (back) is questionable for Tuesday’s game against the Pelicans.
• Kristaps Porzingis (Out): Porzingis (illness) will miss the next two games for Golden State.
• Stephen Curry (Out): Curry will have his right knee injury re-evaluated by medical staff in 10 days.
• Seth Curry (Out): Curry (sciatica) will be re-evaluated in about two weeks.
• L.J. Cryer (Out): Cryer (hamstring) is out for Wednesday’s game against the Spurs.
• Jimmy Butler III (Out): Butler underwent successful surgery Monday to repair a torn right anterior cruciate ligament.

New Orleans Pelicans Key Stats & Trends

New Orleans remains dangerous primarily through Zion Williamson, who is averaging 21.8 PPG and 6.0 RPG. His ability to collapse defenses creates opportunities for Derik Queen, who has emerged as a surprising secondary playmaker leading the team in rebounds (7.3) and assists (4.1). However, the Pelicans’ 16-42 record reflects a defensive unit that often struggles to close out games, especially when their wing depth is tested.

Injury Report New Orleans Pelicans

• Micah Peavy (Out): Peavy (toe) has been ruled out for Tuesday’s game against the Warriors.
• Yves Missi (Out): Missi is out for Tuesday’s game against the Warriors due to a strained left calf.
• Trey Murphy III (Out): Murphy (shoulder) is out for Tuesday’s game against the Warriors.

Golden State Warriors vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction & Best Bet

Despite the significant absences of Curry, Porzingis, and Butler, the Golden State Warriors possess a superior tactical system and veteran leadership that should edge out a Pelicans team struggling with identity. Expect Podziemski and Moody to exploit the Pelicans’ perimeter defensive lapses. Regarding the total, we are leaning over the 224.5 line. With both teams missing key defensive anchors like Porzingis and Missi, Zion Williamson should find easy paths to the rim, while the Warriors will likely push a high-tempo, three-point-heavy attack to compensate for their lack of size.