The Golden State Warriors pulled off a stunner on Wednesday as they completed a come-from-behind 124-106 home win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Will the Dubs double down on their mastery of New Orleans with another victory at Chase Center? Or, will the Pelicans respond with a win to prevent a three-game losing skid?
Catch this game live on Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 10:00 AM, Manila time
Away: New Orleans Pelicans (2-2/ 1-2 Away)
Projected Starting Five:
- CJ McCollum
- Brandon Ingram
- Herbert Jones (Questionable)
- Zion Williamson
- Daniel Theis
The Pelicans’ loss to Golden State on Wednesday can perhaps be best summed up by a perfect quote from the great American philosopher Charles Barkley: ‘That was embarrassing.” New Orleans had a lead in that game of as many as 20 points but failed to take care of that big cushion against a banged-up Warriors squad that did not have Stephen Curry available.
The Pels only had themselves to blame for that defeat. They repeatedly shot themselves in the foot with 24 turnovers which the Warriors converted into 34 points. Although New Orleans shot 54.1 FG%, the Pelicans were outshot by Golden State by a wide margin, 97-74. There was also a glaring lack of support for Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, who had 31 and 30 points, respectively. No other Pelican provided more than nine points with the other three starters combining for just 15 points. Among them was Herb Jones, who could miss Thursday’s game after exiting Wednesday’s contest with a shoulder issue.
Home: Golden State Warriors (3-1/ 1-1 Home)
Projected Starting Five:
- Brandin Podziemski
- Moses Moody
- Buddy Hield
- Draymond Green
- Trayce Jackson-Davis
As it turned out, Steve Kerr was right to relegate Jonathan Kuminga to the bench for the first meeting with New Orleans. With the Warriors missing Stephen Curry, Andrew Wiggins, and De’Anthony Melton, Kerr decided to start Buddy Hield, who also thrived in a spot start. Kuminga came off the bench and fired 17 points while Hield erupted for a team-high 28 points on the strength of a 7-for-11 shooting from deep. Expect Golden State to run the same rotation this Thursday, with Curry, Wiggins, and Melton all likely out again.
Not to be overlooked was Lindy Waters III, who introduced himself to a lot of NBA fans by scoring 21 points and grabbing eight rebounds against the Pelicans. Even without Curry, the Warriors appear to have enough firepower to flummox the Pelicans. Golden State was 21/46 from behind the arc on Wednesday and also had 34 assists. Don’t sleep on the Warriors’ defense as well after they are tops in the league with an 11.2 percent steals rate.
Picks
Spread: New Orleans Pelicans (+2.5)
Over/Under: Under (219.5)
