Golden State Warriors vs New Orleans Pelicans Picks and Predictions October 29th 2024

The Golden State Warriors and New Orleans Pelicans are gearing up for a pivotal two-game series in San Francisco, but they’ll both be without some star power. Warriors’ sharpshooter Stephen Curry, who has a history of giving New Orleans trouble, will miss both games with a mild peroneal strain in his left ankle, which he suffered in the Warriors’ recent loss to the Clippers. An MRI showed no severe injury, but Curry will be re-evaluated on Friday, meaning Golden State will need to find other sources of scoring.

Warriors Rely on Depth Without Curry and Melton

Curry’s absence leaves a significant gap in Golden State’s offense. Brandin Podziemski, who earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors last season, is likely to step into the starting lineup and shoulder some of the scoring load. Podziemski’s development has shown promise, and the Warriors hope he can help fill Curry’s shoes alongside experienced players like Draymond Green and Klay Thompson. The team will also be missing De’Anthony Melton, sidelined with a lower back strain, further testing their depth in this two-game showdown.

Head coach Steve Kerr acknowledged the team’s challenge ahead, saying, “We’ve got to adapt without Steph. It’s a tough spot, but this team has talent beyond just one player.”

Pelicans Power Through Their Own Injuries

New Orleans isn’t without its own setbacks. Guard Dejounte Murray has been out since fracturing his left hand in the season opener, and forward Trey Murphy III remains sidelined with a preseason hamstring injury. However, the Pelicans have found stability with veterans CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram, who are each averaging over 20 points per game. Zion Williamson has also returned to full form, showing his versatility by racking up 30 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists over his last two games since overcoming illness.

An exciting development for the Pelicans has been the emergence of Jordan Hawkins. The second-year guard, who played a key role in UConn’s 2023 NCAA championship, has started this season strong, averaging 18 points and 6.3 rebounds across three games. Veteran CJ McCollum has praised Hawkins’ growth, noting his improved shot selection and playmaking skills as assets in the Pelicans’ rotation.

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What to Expect in the Warriors-Pelicans Matchup

Both teams will need to lean on different players and fresh strategies to stay competitive:

• For the Warriors: Golden State’s depth will be crucial. Podziemski and Thompson will be pivotal in generating offense, while Draymond Green’s leadership and defense will anchor their overall game plan.
• For the Pelicans: With Murray and Murphy III out, Williamson, McCollum, and Ingram will need to continue their strong play, with Hawkins providing critical support off the bench.

Without Curry, Golden State faces a tough test against a Pelicans squad that, despite its own setbacks, has managed to find reliable scoring. Both teams will look to establish early control and maintain defensive discipline in this highly anticipated series. With two teams battling through early injuries and trying to stay competitive, fans can expect a hard-fought, back-and-forth matchup.