Golden State Warriors vs. New Orleans Pelicans: Game 3 Odds, NBA Betting Pick

The sixth-seeded New Orleans Pelicans are hoping to get back into their Western Conference second-round playoff series with the second-seeded Golden State Warriors in Game 3 on Friday, when they host them as home underdogs at the sportsbooks.

New Orleans lost the first two games at Golden State and will aim to play much better defense at home after surrendering an average of 122 points on the road.

NBA point spread: The Warriors opened as four-point favorites; the total is at 230.5, according to sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark. Line updates and matchup report.

NBA betting pick, via OddsShark computer: 112.0-104.9, Warriors. NBA picks on every game.

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Why the Warriors Can Cover the Spread

The Warriors saw Stephen Curry return in Game 2 with a good performance off the bench, scoring 28 points on 8-of-15 shooting, including 5-of-10 from three-point range. Curry also totaled seven rebounds, three steals and two assists in his first 27 minutes of action since March 23.

Curry helped overcome a poor shooting performance from Klay Thompson, who had 10 points on 4-of-20 attempts after scoring a game-high 27 in the series opener. Golden State failed to beat the spread as an 11-point home favorite in Game 2 but still won 121-116 and would have covered if Thompson made half his shots. Bettors can expect the Warriors to play better in Curry's second game back.

Why the Pelicans Can Cover the Spread

The Pelicans played outstanding at home in the first round en route to sweeping the Portland Trail Blazers, averaging 125 points and limiting their opponent to 112.5 in their two games on the road. If New Orleans can do the same thing versus Golden State, upset wins at the Smoothie King Center are not out of the question in Games 3 and 4.

New Orleans has a decided edge inside with Anthony Davis, who is averaging 23 points, 12.5 points and 2.5 blocks in the series. Davis scored 47 points at home in the clincher against the Blazers, and he could well be the difference again in this spot.

Smart Betting Pick

The Pelicans have lost 16 of their past 17 meetings with the Warriors, according to the OddsShark NBA Database, but have gone 6-4 against the spread in the past 10. The low number set by oddsmakers in favor of Golden State is a credit to New Orleans and how well it has played this postseason. The Pelicans will back it up by staying close and covering.

NBA Betting Trends

Golden State is 3-6 ATS in its past nine games on the road against New Orleans.

New Orleans is 10-1 ATS in its past 11 games.

New Orleans is 9-2 ATS in its past 11 games at home.

All NBA odds and betting trends according to Bleacher Report's official odds partner, OddsShark. Check out OddsShark on Twitter and Instagram or head to YouTube for more betting picks and analysis on this week's top games. You can also download the free odds tracker app.