Eliminated Pelicans No Match for Warriors

In what has already been one of the most challenging seasons ever, the Golden State Warriors would love to save themselves the trouble of having to play one more high-stakes game. The Warriors (37-33 SU, 35-35 ATS) gear up for a pivotal matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies this weekend as they host the already-eliminated New Orleans Pelicans (31-39 SU, 34-36 ATS) on Friday.

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

Golden State opened as a 6.5-point favorite, but the line has since shrunk by a point at the majority of sportsbooks. The total, on the other hand, has held steady at 229.5.

New Orleans News & Notes

Defensive struggles have plagued the Pelicans all season long – so it’s fitting that they were officially eliminated from postseason contention with another poor defensive showing in a 125-107 loss to Dallas last time out. The Pelicans allowed the Mavericks to shoot 49 percent from the floor and forced just eight turnovers to miss out on the postseason for the third straight season.

With the playoffs now out of reach, don’t be surprised to see the Pelicans give their healthy starters a little extra rest over the final two games of the season. One potential salary-saving option is big man Jaxson Hayes, who had 15 points and six rebounds in just 22 minutes against the Mavericks and could see a boost in playing time over the last two outings.

Golden State News & Notes

Regardless of what happens for the Warriors or Grizzlies on Friday (Memphis hosts the Sacramento Kings), the eighth seed in the West will come down to Sunday’s matinee encounter between the teams at Chase Center. And it’s a big one, with the Sportsbook of the 7-8 game advancing directly to the playoffs while the 9-10 Sportsbook will have to play the 7-8 loser for the No. 8 seed.

Avoiding the potential of playing another game will mean everything to the Warriors, but with nothing really at stake Friday, it will be interesting to see how Golden State approaches the game. The Warriors haven’t played since Tuesday, so it’s expected that the starters will see regular minutes – including superstar guard Steph Curry, who is looking to lock up the NBA scoring title.

Betting Pick: Warriors -5.5 (-110)

It might not make a difference in regard to playoff seeding, but with Curry gunning for the scoring crown and the Warriors having enjoyed two days off, the home team should romp against a New Orleans side with nothing to play for the rest of the way.