Warriors vs Pelicans Picks and Predictions: Can Wiggins Help Keep Warriors Afloat?

The Golden State Warriors finally won their first game away from Chase Center in a highly entertaining 127-120 victory in Houston. 

While the moment was one to celebrate with Klay Thompson breaking out in a big way, it was still a very close game. The Warriors will need some of their younger veterans, such as Andrew Wiggins, to help carry the team on the second night of a back-to-back. 

The Pelicans enter this one 5-5 in their last 10 games, still trying to piece everything together. Zion Williamson is back in the lineup after a small hiatus and should cause some problems for GSW with his fresh legs.

Find out where the best betting value lies in our NBA picks and predictions for Warriors vs. Pelicans below.

Warriors vs Pelicans best odds

Warriors vs Pelicans picks and predictions

We know dynasties don't last a lifetime, and the mighty will eventually fall. For the Golden State Warriors, that time could be near as Klay Thompson and Draymond Green are not what they once were on a nightly basis.

Thompson, at his best, was an exceptional 3-point marksman and a top-notch perimeter defender. Green remains the team's emotional leader but isn't the difference maker on defense he was once upon a time. 

That leaves the Warriors with a question, who is the second-best player on the roster? The answer has to be Andrew Wiggins, dating back to last year's playoffs and this season. Averaging 18.4 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, the 27-year-old is the lone steady hand next to Curry. Today, he has an opportunity to continue that ascension as that Pelicans defense ranks in the bottom half of the league in field goals and 3-pointers made. 

Wiggins will likely draw a lot of Brandon Ingram in this one. The Pelicans will push the ball, a tempo that should fit Wiggins' game, as he's effective going to the basket. While his usage is slightly down from last season, the Warriors will likely be without one of their stars tonight due to rest.

Nobody has been a confirmed scratch from the lineup yet, but Wiggins figures to have an opportunity to carry more of the load tonight. 

Earlier this month, the Warriors and Pelicans battled in a game where Wiggins missed the game with an illness. It's a good indication for Wiggins that Kuminga and Moody — the two wings starting in that game — each had over 18 combined points and rebounds. The opportunities will be available tonight and he combined for 27 points + rebounds just last night.

Wiggins is the most consistent Warrior on the roster outside of Curry. The young veteran will have to show that tonight if the Warriors want to come out on top.

My best bet: Andrew Wiggins Over 22.5 points + rebounds (-125)

Warriors vs Pelicans spread analysis

I wouldn't advise counting the Warriors out, but they are simply a lousy road team. Just look at last night's box score: Curry posted 33 points, 15 assists, 7 rebounds, three steals, and two blocks; Klay Thompson scored 41 points, yet they barely squeezed out a victory in Houston (3-14). 

The Warriors are not good on the road. For the season, they are Bottom 5 in defensive rating, opponent's points off turnovers, and opponent's second-chance points. That doesn't bode well for their likelihood to win the spread, particularly when you consider the back-to-back factor. They are 1-2 on back-to-backs for the season, losing the point differential by 22. 

This will be a great challenge for the Warriors, who will have to deal with a Pelican team currently in the Top 10 in offensive rating for the year. Franchise cornerstone Zion Williamson will also be back in the lineup after missing time with a right foot injury.

With fresh legs in the lineup, Williamson creates another dimension that the Warriors will have a tough time containing. Look for him to consistently pressure Golden States' bigs and help New Orleans cover the spread.

Warriors vs Pelicans Over/Under analysis

The Under should be seriously considered tonight, with the Warriors entering this one on the second night of a back-to-back.

I'd expect one of the Warriors stars to sit out — if not multiple — meaning Golden State will need its bench to produce solid minutes. However, GSW has one of the most unproductive benches in the NBA. What projected to be a solid second unit when the season started was massively disappointing.

The star of the second unit is Jordan Poole, who is as volatile a scoring option on a night-to-night basis as anyone in the league. Poole will likely draw much attention from Jose Alvarado tonight, which isn't ideal for Poole. Alvarado, the tough New York City guard, has built a reputation as a great defender. 

Two of the three Warriors' back-to-backs have resulted in the Under this season. Tonight feels like a night to consider the Under when weighing the back-to-back factor and the likelihood that the Warriors sit at least one of their core players. 

Warriors vs Pelicans betting trend to know

The Under is 5-1-1 in the Warriors' last seven games overall. Find more NBA betting trends for Warriors vs. Pelicans.

Warriors vs Pelicans game info

Warriors vs Pelicans key injuries

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