When Kevin Durant signed with Golden State it was an embarrassment of riches. Now it has become a mode of survival. With Stephen Curry out for the first round Durant became a key asset. He was the marquee man for Oklahoma City before joining the Warriors. The experience had him well prepared to step up when Curry was out. Anthony Davis serves a similar role with New Orleans. Davis is a difference maker for NBA games betting odds. And with DeMarcus Cousins out of the lineup he has had to carry the Pelicans. New Orleans hosts Golden State on Friday.
Golden State Warriors vs. New Orleans Pelicans Game 3
Date and Time: Friday, May 4, 2018, 8 p.m. Eastern
Location: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
NBA Betting Online Odds at SBG:
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warriors | -4 (-110) | 230½(-110) |  |
| Pelicans | +4 (-110) | 230½ (-110) | |
| |||
Warriors vs. Pelicans TV Coverage: ESPN
Series so Far
New Orleans will host games three and four of this best of seven series. If necessary game five is at Golden State. The Pelicans would host game six. A seventh NBA games betting odds matchup would be on the Warriors home court. Home court has proven to be a playoff advantage for the Pelicans. In two home games vs. Portland they paid both times.
New Orleans
For just the second time in seven seasons New Orleans is in the post season. Anthony Davis is clearly the reason why. The team captain was the top overall pick of the 2012 NBA Draft. He is a five-time NBA All Star. For the second straight season he averaged 28 points per game. He has been an even better online sportsbook asset in the playoffs. Portland was upset in a four-game sweep triggered by Davis. He averaged over 30 points per game in the series.
DeMarcus Cousins
Center DeMarcus Cousins leaves a large void in the Pelicans lineup. He is lost for the playoffs with an injured Achilles. He averaged 25 points and 13 rebounds per game. Had Cousins been available New Orleans could have had a legitimate upset bid.
Golden State
Not enough can be said about Kevin Durant. When the Warriors signed him, there was plenty of criticism. It was expensive to say the least. Many cried it was unnecessary. But Durant has been the man Golden State has leaned on. With Curry out at the start of post season worries were legitimate. But the nine-time NBA All Star Durant was in his element. At Oklahoma City he was 2014 NBA Most Valuable Player. We are now seeing why in this post season. Four payouts in six games has made for playoff profits.
Team vs Team
Golden State has paid out in four of their last six against New Orleans. Five of the last seven in this series went over the total. At home the Pelicans have covered six of their last nine vs. the Warriors. Four of the last five at New Orleans in this matchup went over the total.
Matchup to Watch
New Orleans will provide a strong home court. But they are outmanned with the NBA games betting odds. This is where the absence of Cousins will hurt the most.
Warriors vs. Pelicans NBA games Betting Odds Picks
Golden State is the call to get the money in game three.
NBA Betting Online Pick: Golden State Warriors
NBA Betting Online Score Prediction: Warriors 113, Pelicans 106