NBA Game Preview: Golden State Warriors (30-27) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (16-42)

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Venue Location

The game will take place at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. This is the home arena for the New Orleans Pelicans, with a capacity of approximately 16,867. The venue is known for its vibrant atmosphere and modern amenities, often energizing the home team during crucial matchups.

Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET (7:00 PM CT / 5:00 PM PT). The game will be broadcast on regional networks like NBCS-BA and Gulf Coast Sports, with streaming options available on NBA League Pass.

Injury Report

  • Golden State Warriors: Stephen Curry (PG) is out with a right knee injury and will be re-evaluated in 10 days. Draymond Green (PF) is out with left low back soreness. Kristaps Porziņģis (C) is out with an Achilles injury. Jimmy Butler (SF) is out with a torn right ACL. The Warriors’ depth will be tested, particularly in the backcourt and frontcourt.
  • New Orleans Pelicans: Dejounte Murray (PG) is out with an Achilles injury. Trey Murphy III (SF) is out with a shoulder injury. Yves Missi (C) is out with a calf injury. Micah Peavy (G) is out with a toe injury. The Pelicans’ roster is depleted, impacting their guard play and interior defense.

Key Player Matchups

With key injuries on both sides, this interconference game will feature role players stepping up. The Warriors’ experience could edge out the Pelicans’ youth, but New Orleans’ home court might spark an upset.

  • Brandin Podziemski (GSW Guard) vs. Jordan Poole (NOP Guard): Podziemski, emerging as a key contributor (18 points, 15 rebounds in recent win), brings playmaking and rebounding. His versatility tests Poole (23 points in last game), a former Warrior known for scoring bursts but defensive lapses.
  • Moses Moody (GSW Guard) vs. Zion Williamson (NOP Forward): Moody (23 points off the bench recently) provides shooting and energy, facing Williamson’s athleticism (21 points in win). Williamson’s drives could exploit Golden State’s thin frontcourt without Green.
  • Al Horford (GSW Center) vs. Karl-Anthony Towns (NOP Center): Horford (22 points, six 3s in win) offers veteran spacing, challenging Towns’ rebounding and scoring. This big-man battle could control the paint.
  • Pat Spencer (GSW Guard) vs. Brandon Ingram (NOP Forward): Spencer (20 points in earlier game) steps in for Curry, facing Ingram’s mid-range prowess. Ingram’s length might disrupt Spencer’s drives.

Recent Team Forms

  • Golden State Warriors: WLWLW (Last 5: Win 128-117 vs. Denver on Feb 22; Loss 110-121 vs. Boston on Feb 19; Win 101-97 at Phoenix on Feb 5; Loss 94-113 vs. Philadelphia on Feb 3; Win 104-96 vs. New Orleans on Nov 30, 2025). The Warriors average 113.4 PPG while allowing 111.6 over the last five, showing resilience despite injuries but inconsistency on the road.
  • New Orleans Pelicans: WLWLW (Last 5: Win 126-111 vs. Philadelphia on Feb 21; Loss 118-139 vs. Milwaukee on Feb 20; Loss 111-123 vs. Miami on Feb 11; Win 120-94 vs. Sacramento on Feb 9; Win 119-115 at Minnesota on Feb 6). The Pelicans average 118.8 PPG but allow 122.4, highlighting offensive flashes but defensive vulnerabilities during a rebuild.

Series History

The Golden State Warriors lead the all-time regular-season series 46-31 against the New Orleans Pelicans. In recent matchups, the Warriors have won four of the last five: 104-96 on November 30, 2025; 124-106 on November 17, 2025; 114-109 on April 13, 2024; with New Orleans’ lone win 106-103 on November 26, 2025. Golden State is 4-1 straight up in those games, with the over hitting in three of five.

Betting Trends

Golden State is 5-5 ATS in their last 10 games but 7-3 ATS as favorites. Over has hit in 4 of their last 6 road games. New Orleans is 4-6 ATS in their last 10 but 6-4 ATS at home as underdogs. Under is 3-2 in their last 5. Head-to-head: Warriors are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings; over has gone 3-2.

Game Odds

Golden State Warriors   – 2.5

New Orleans Pelicans    225.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, February 23, 2026

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