The Golden State Warriors head into Tuesday night’s game as modest favorites when they visit the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Golden State is fighting for positioning in the Western Conference play‑in mix, while the Pelicans have struggled and sit near the bottom of the Western Conference standings. Here, I break down this matchup and bring you my Warriors vs Pelicans prediction in the NBA.
Our Warriors vs Pelicans Pick
Pick: Golden State Warriors -2.5 ATS PRO
Confidence: 1 out of 5
Game Snapshot
Matchup: Golden State Warriors @ New Orleans Pelicans
Date & Time: Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 8:10 PM ET
Venue: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
Broadcast: NBA League Pass
Key Storylines
The Warriors enter this one with a better record and are still in the hunt for a favorable play‑in spot in the Western Conference. But the absences of Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler have really hurt them lately.
New Orleans has endured a difficult season, posting a 16‑42 overall record with defensive lapses and personnel changes impacting their consistency in a negative way.
Golden State has a recent advantage in this series, winning the first two meetings this season and owning a significant edge in recent head‑to‑head history.
Key Players
Warriors
Brandin Podziemski – With Stephen Curry sidelined recently due to knee soreness, Podziemski has taken on increased playmaking and scoring responsibilities. He is one of Golden State’s primary scoring options, and his shooting range adds valuable floor spacing.
Moses Moody – A reliable scorer, Moody consistently contributes points and is one of the Warriors’ leaders in three‑pointers made per game.
Draymond Green – While not a big scorer, Green’s defensive impact, rebounding, and playmaking remain crucial to Golden State’s chances of winning basketball games.
Pelicans
Zion Williamson – The focal point of New Orleans’ offense, Williamson averages around 21 points and adds solid rebounding and playmaking when healthy. He consistently draws defensive attention and generates high‑percentage scoring chances. He will be even more important with Trey Murphy III out of action.
Saddiq Bey – One of the Pelicans’ more consistent shooters, Bey offers spacing and shooting that could help keep New Orleans competitive.
Derik Queen – Contributing points, rebounds, and assists, Queen serves as a versatile role player who can influence possessions on both ends of the floor.
Stat Comparison
Statistic
Warriors
Pelicans
Points per game
115.6
114.8
Points allowed per game
113.9
120.6
Team Field Goal %
46%
46%
Rebounds Per Game
42.5
43.6
Assists Per Game
29.1
25.0
Head-to-Head & Betting Trends
In their first two meetings this season, Golden State has come out on top, including a convincing 124‑106 victory and another road win.
Golden State is 26-31 against the spread going into this matchup.
New Orleans comes into this game with a 31-26-1 record against the spread for the year.
Warriors vs Pelicans Model Projection
Score Projection: Warriors 118 – Pelicans 112 ATS PRO
Win Probability: Warriors 58%, Pelicans 42% ATS PRO
Final Thoughts
Golden State’s combination of offensive balance, assist generation, and slightly better defensive metrics suggests they should control this game enough to cover the spread in New Orleans. The Pelicans have talent, but their defensive vulnerabilities and inconsistent results make it difficult to rely on them in this spot. I don't feel strongly about either side of this game, but I lean Golden State's way on the road.
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