Bank on Jimmy Butler and the Golden State Warriors to bounce back from a bad loss in Miami when they take on the Pelicans’ skeleton crew tonight, per our NBA betting picks.
Photo By – Imagn Images. Jimmy Butler of the Golden State Warriors in NBA action.
Fresh off a disappointing blowout loss at Miami, Jimmy Butler and the Warriors will look to regroup ahead of Friday’s showdown with the Pelicans at Smoothie King Center.
My Warriors vs. Pelicans predictions expect Butler & Co. to get back on track against the depleted Pels. Read my NBA picks to see how you should bet the spread and which player props to target.
Warriors vs Pelicans prediction
My best bet: Warriors -15 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
This is a monster spread, and based on the Golden State Warriors’ play over their last two games, the public is all over New Orleans Pelicans +15. The Pels have gotten 64% of the action against the spread, but while the public is zigging, I’m willing to zag and go all in on a Golden State bounce-back.
The Dubs shook off their mid-season malaise and have looked rejuvenated since acquiring Jimmy Butler. Prior to the recent two-game win streak, the Dubs were 16-2 straight-up with Butler and hadn’t lost back-to-back games with him in the lineup.
The Warriors haven’t dropped three straight since they did so from December 23-27. Golden State understands how important each win is at this time of year, and tonight’s matchup with New Orleans classifies as a must-win. Butler should be particularly motivated after getting embarrassed in his return to Kaseya Center with a poor performance and blowout loss.
The Pels are 1-2 ATS in three matchups with the Warriors this season, losing two games by 15 or more, and they will be even more depleted than usual.
Both CJ McCollum and Zion Williamson will be sidelined for this one. New Orleans’ starting lineup in their last game out was Jose Alvarado, Jordan Hawkins, Keion Brooks, Kelly Olynyk, and Yves Missi — not exactly a star-studded lineup. That lineup beat the 76ers by double-digits, but few teams are as pitiful as the Sixers right now.
Steph Curry remains questionable due to a hip injury, but he participated in a short scrimmage on Thursday and has a chance to return tonight. Even if he sits, I expect Butler to avenge his most recent dud and lead Golden State past New Orleans in convincing fashion.
Warriors vs Pelicans same-game parlay
Warriors -15
Jimmy Butler Over 30.5 points + rebounds + assists
Jonathan Kuminga 15+ points
Butler was on a roll prior to his dud against the Heat, hitting the Over on this line in seven of nine prior. In that span, Butler averaged 33.9 PRA, comfortably Over the 30.5 line. The Pels sport the NBA’s worst Defensive Rating at 119.1 this season, and Butler should have no problem clearing this modest line on a night where he should be highly motivated.
Jonathan Kuminga’s scoring line is set at 16.5, but I’m not quite there. Taking the alt line at 15 points is a much safer wager, as he’s scored 15 or 16 points in each of his last three games. Since returning from an extended absence, he’s averaged 14 points across seven appearances and scored at least 15 points four times. The depleted Pelicans defense should offer little resistance.
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Warriors vs Pelicans odds
Warriors vs Pelicans live odds
Warriors vs Pelicans opening odds
- Spread: Golden State -15 (-110) | New Orleans +15 (-110)
- Moneyline: Golden State -1100 | New Orleans +700
- Over/Under: Over 226 (-110) | Under 226 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365
Warriors vs Pelicans score prediction
Warriors 121, Pelicans 97
The Dubs are going to be fired up for this one, and the Pels are trotting out a skeleton crew lineup. I’m taking the Warriors to cover comfortably.
Warriors vs Pelicans trend
The Warriors have hit the team total Under in 36 of their last 60 games (+8.65 Units / 13% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Warriors vs. Pelicans.
How to watch Warriors vs Pelicans
| Location | Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA |
| Date | Friday, 3-28-2025 |
| Tip-off | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | NBC Sports Bay Area, GCSEN |
Warriors vs Pelicans latest injuries
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