NBA Pick and Prediction for Pelicans vs. Warriors – November 5, 2021

Friday offers plenty of NBA action to bet on, as the Pelicans and Warriors battle on a nine-game slate.

I handed out a winner last night with the Celtics (+7), so let’s see if we can keep the good times rolling. This feels like one of the better games to target, as it includes Steph Curry, it’s on ESPN, and it could feature a lot of scoring.

While true, it could be a bit problematic due to injuries for the Pelicans. I’d namely monitor the status of Brandon Ingram, but I still think there is a good bet to target in this one.

Let’s break down this Pelicans vs. Warriors matchup to see how you should bet on November 5.

The Warriors have looked like one of the best teams in the NBA so far. They’re still without sharpshooter Klay Thompson and big man James Wiseman, and yet they’ve lost just once.

That’s led some to suggest they could be the team to win it all this season.

Naturally, the best NBA betting sites have them as big favorites at home. Golden State is a solid 3-1 at home this year, and they’ve been sharp at both ends of the floor. They’re putting up over 111 points per game, while allowing just over 101 points per contest.

This series has been going Golden State’s way lately. They won the season series last year (2-1), and have won four of the last seven meetings.

New Orleans isn’t in good shape right now. Zion Williamson has yet to play this year, and Brandon Ingram is again questionable to take the floor.

Brandon Ingram, Herbert Jones listed as questionable for Warriors game

Injury Report: https://t.co/6zza1oWS0E#Pelicans | @MorrisBartLLC pic.twitter.com/AUofbIojJf

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) November 5, 2021

Their health woes have led to a brutal 1-8 start, and the Pels aren’t getting it done on either end of the floor.

That all contributes to the thick 9-point spread, while the game total is a bit low due to the Pels’ inability to consistently generate offense.

The Warriors are down two key players, but having the best shooter in NBA history has its perks. Curry is presently the odds on favorite to win the 2021-22 NBA MVP at BetOnline, and his presence has opened things up for his teammates.

Curry is still putting up a robust 26.7 points and 6.9 assists per game. His three-point shooting is down, so his numbers could look even better in due time.

The Dubs can waver when their outside shot isn’t hitting, but it’s unlikely that’s a problem against the Pels. New Orleans is 25th in points allowed power game, they’re not defending the paint very well (18th), and they rank 26th in three-point percentage given up.

This matchup favors the Warriors greatly, as New Orleans is at a minimum without their top weapon (Zion), and could also be forced to play without Ingram.

New Orleans could be without their best two offensive players, which is bad news against a good offensive team that also defends well. Ingram showing up could give the Pels a chance to keep it competitive, but this is still a team that has lost five straight, and is just 1-4 on the road.

Golden State is at home, they’re the more balanced team, and the Pels don’t have anyone that can slow down Curry. The Golden State moneyline isn’t very alluring, but they’re the right pick to win in this one.

Golden State is going to win and has a terrific chance to cover if Ingram is out again. I don’t think bettors get that information ahead of time, though, so you can look at the spread in one of two ways.

New Orleans is a fine ATS play, but that’s the secondary bet. I’d much rather commit to the Over. I know the Pels have struggled and Golden State’s defense is solid, but this is still a nice matchup and the total is just so low.

The Warriors run at the third fastest pace in the NBA, and the Pels aren’t too far behind (11th). As long as it’s not an utter blowout, I think the Over is a smash bet here.

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