Warriors vs Pelicans Game 3: NOLA Returns Home in Desperate Need of Win

• The Pelicans welcome the Warriors to New Orleans for Game 3 of the Western Conference Semi-Finals. Can they pull out a win at home?
• Will Anthony Davis get the help he needs to slow down the Warriors’ fast and furious offense?
• Will Steph Curry continue to score a point per minute in his second game back?

After steamrolling their way past the Portland Trail Blazers in Round 1 of the NBA Playoffs, the New Orleans Pelicans are finding life to be a little tougher against the reigning champs. They’ll have a chance to get back on track on Friday, May 4th when they welcome Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors for Game 3 of the Western Conference Semi-Finals in New Orleans.

The Pels gave the Warriors all they had in Game 2, but still came up short in a 121-116 loss at Oracle Arena. Though New Orleans may have lost the game, Pelicans’ backers easily covered the 11-point underdog spread.

New Orleans led 29-27 after the first quarter and only trailed 58-55 at the half. They were led by three players scoring 20-plus points in Davis (25), Jrue Holiday (24) and Rajon Rondo (22).

On any other night, these performances may have been enough, but Curry returned from injury and put his stamp on the game—erasing any doubt he may be rusty after missing the past five and half weeks with a sprained MCL. The two-time MVP managed just over a point-per-minute, scoring 28 points in 27:14 of playing time, while going 8/15 from the floor, and 7/7 at the line. He led all players in plus/minus at +26.

Curry was only bested by Kevin Durant’s 29 points in 41:18 of playing time. Draymond Green was the third Warrior to reach at least 20 points, adding 20 of his own along with 12 assists and nine boards

What does this mean for Warriors at Pelicans Game 3? Well for one thing, the Pelicans will need to do better at the free throw line. The massive free throw disparity in Game 2 was definitely a factor in them losing the game. New Orleans was only 7/9 in free throws while Golden State was 22/27.

Overall in the series they’ve only made 20 trips to the line versus the Warriors’ 59. The Pels will have to use home court advantage to try and even that up. But will it even matter? After Tuesday night’s win, the Warriors have now beaten the Pelicans in 26 of their past 28 games.

Head-To-Head Results

Warriors at Pelicans Game 3 Betting Advice

Over the past three years, a home team down 0-2 has covered the first half point spread at an amazing 28-3 clip. The trend has continued this season as well going 3-1 so far. For reference—the Spurs failed to cover their first half spread at home to the Warriors in their Game 3 in the first round, while each of the Wizards, Bucks and Timberwolves cashed in their respective home Game 3’s.

Over the past three years, a home team down 0-2 has covered the first half point spread at an amazing 28-3 clip.

That puts the record at 31-4 which is almost too good to be true. And in this case—it is. Because do you know where three of the four losses have come from? That’s right, in games against the Warriors.

In my opinion, that wipes this out for this game but keep that tid bit for other series going forward. I do feel the Pelicans will still come out strong though and will look to make a bet on them to win the first quarter. In Golden State they only trailed 35-34 after the first in Game 1 and lead 29-27 in Game 2. For those looking to bet the full game, with 26 wins in the past 28, I can’t look any other way than taking the Warriors in a close contest.

Betting Trends

*Full season (regular season and playoffs)

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