The playoff series between the Golden State Warriors and the New Orleans Pelicans shifts to the Smoothie King Center in Louisiana for game 3. The Warriors currently lead the series 2-0 after winning both games at home to begin the series. Golden State was able to hold off the Pelicans 121-116 in game 2.
The Pelicans missed a great chance to steal game 1, with the Warriors still playing without Stephen Curry. Curry returned to the floor in game 2, and delivered 28 points off of the bench in the win. New Orleans hopes that playing in their home arena will change their fortunes in this series. The Golden State Warriors are -4 over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday.
Pelicans Still Want to Run
The New Orleans Pelicans continued to play at a blistering pace in game 2, and again were defeated by the Warriors. The Pelicans insist that they aren’t going to slow down the pace, but they also can’t slow down the Warriors. Anthony Davis posted another double-double in game 2, finishing with 25 points and 15 rebounds. Davis is a huge matchup problem for the Warriors, and if they are to win game 3, it will be on the back of Davis.
Jrue Holiday bounced back in game 2 finishing with 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists. He will play an even bigger role in this series with Curry back for the Warriors. The Pelicans continue to shoot a lot of threes, and they will have to make a majority of them to win game 3. The shooting of Nikola Mirotic and E’Twaun Moore will be crucial in game 3.
Warriors Are Getting Healthy
Many experts believe that when healthy the Warriors are still the team to beat in the West. With Curry making his return in game 2, the Warriors are now playing at full strength. Curry came off the bench in game 2 to score 28 points, but will be reinserted into the starting lineup for game 3. The starting 5 of the Warriors will cause all sorts of problems for the Pelicans defense.
One minor concern for the Warriors heading into game 3 is the confidence of Klay Thompson. Thompson shot just 4-20 from the field in game 2, and connected on only 2 of his 11 three point field goal attempts. The Warriors will need both Splash Brothers, along with Kevin Durant to have a solid game 3 on the road.
Pelicans Make it a Series
The Golden State Warriors are almost unbeatable at home, but are vulnerable on the road. Stephen Curry was great in his first game back, but will take time to find consistency. If Klay Thompson doesn’t find his three point shot, the Warriors will struggle to score in game 3.
New Orleans knows that it can’t afford to lose game 3 and face elimination. The Pelicans played the Warriors tough in game 2, before ultimately losing by 5. Look for the home crowd to energize the Pelicans and Anthony Davis to have a monster night in leading the Pelicans to a game 3 victory. Bet the New Orleans Pelicans +4 over the Golden State Warriors on Friday.
