The New Orleans Pelicans are on the road against the Golden State Warriors today in a Western Conference showdown. The Pelicans looked in trouble when Djounte Murray went down, but they haven’t skipped a beat and are displaying a deeper bench than previous years.

Both teams are 2-1 and it is projected to be a close game with New Orleans currently 2.5-point favorites to win on the road. The Warriors have a +120-money line at home, which likely won’t happen much this season. 

 

 

 

New Orleans Pelicans: Rollin’ On The River

The New Orleans Pelicans have their next two games against the Warriors, and both of them will be without Stepen Curry. Curry is out with a sprained ankle but avoided major injury. The Pelicans were supposed to have a high-flying Murray leading the team, but fracturing his hand opening night has forced CJ McCollum to step back up into a facilitating scorer. 

He has delivered too, he has 12 made 3-point field goal attempts this season, tied for fifth most in the Association. He is also averaging 3 steals per game, second most in the Association. Some may have wanted to count him out, but he’s back and in a big way.

Speaking of Big, Zion Williamson has already missed games, but Brandon Ingram is having a great season, including stepping up late against the Portland Trailblazers to deliver the victory. Look for Ingram to have another great night against a smaller back court.

 

 

 

Golden State Warriors: I Left My Heart In San Francisco

The Golden State Warriors will get a glimpse of what life is like without Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson in their next two games. Brandin Podziemski is due for a large role, but one he can handle in his second season. 

Andrew Wiggins is listed as questionable and if he is unable to go, the Warriors will be digging deep into their backcourt with the three top players out. Draymond Green could run a more of a point-forward and his assists line needs to be monitored tonight. 

Buddy Hield, Pat Spencer, and Moses Moody could all see an uptick in minutes, and if their point lines are below 5, they could be worth a wager. The Warriors could play with intensity and start off with a lot of adrenaline and emotion but expect them to be tired in the second half.

 

 

 

New Orleans Pelicans Starting Lineup

Golden State Warriors Starting Lineup

 

 

 

Bucks vs. Celtics Predictions & Picks Today: Tuesday, October 29th

CJ McCollum Under 4.5 Assists (-110 on DraftKings)

CJ McCollum has taken over the scoring responsibilities since Dejounte Murray’s injury on opening day. He has made 12 three-point attempts, and averages just under 20 field goal attempts per game. McCollum also has the most steals per game in the NBA which is leading to easy baskets with no defenders to stop him.

It is difficult to earn assists when there are several field goals and McCollum will need to score for the Pelicans to win. The Warriors could be more aggressive defensively with a younger Brandin Podziemski on the perimeter, and Draymond Green looking to step up his performance without Stepen Curry. Green is 46-72 without Curry, but his stats generally go up, including steals and fouls.

McCollum has yet to clear four assists without Murray, so 4.5 seems like a safe under proposition bet today.

 

 

 

Bet Smart, Be Lucky -Iggy-