Golden State Warriors vs. New Orleans Pelicans: What Most People Get Wrong

Basketball fans love a good mismatch on paper that turns into a dogfight on the hardwood. When you look at the Golden State Warriors vs. New Orleans Pelicans matchup in 2026, it’s easy to get sucked into the standings. One team is fighting for a playoff seed while the other is essentially navigating a rebuilding year under heavy fire. But if you’ve actually watched these two play lately, you know the box score rarely tells the whole story.

The Pelicans have had a rough go of it. Truly. They entered mid-January sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference with a 10-33 record. Yet, every time they see those blue and gold jerseys, something shifts. It’s like they remember they have Zion Williamson, a human freight train who still manages to make veteran defenders look like they're standing on ice.

The Steph Curry Factor and the New Dubs Identity

Let's talk about the Warriors first. They aren't the 73-win juggernaut anymore. We know that. However, Stephen Curry is still doing "Steph things" at a level that defies biology. This season, he’s been hovering around 28.7 points per game. He’s nearly 38 years old. That’s absurd.

What’s changed for Golden State is the supporting cast. They’ve leaned heavily into youth and some surprising veteran additions. Jimmy Butler is in the mix now, providing a grit that the "Splash Brothers" era sometimes lacked. In their November win over New Orleans, Butler dropped a double-double that basically secured the game. He brings a certain "don’t mess with us" energy to Chase Center that balances out Curry’s finesse.

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Why the Pelicans Are Better Than Their Record

It’s easy to clown on a team with single-digit wins deep into the season. But New Orleans is a weird case study in "what if."

• Zion Williamson: When he's on, he’s unstoppable. He recently put up 28 points and 10 boards against the Dubs.
• Trey Murphy III: He’s emerged as a legitimate 20-PPG threat.
• The Interim Era: James Borrego took over for Willie Green earlier this season, and the pace skyrocketed. They went from 26th in pace to 4th almost overnight.

They play fast. Sometimes too fast for their own good. They lead the league in "wait, what just happened?" turnovers, but they also force opponents into a chaotic style of play that the Warriors—usually masters of flow—occasionally struggle to contain.

The Tactical Chess Match: Small Ball vs. The Interior

When the Golden State Warriors vs. New Orleans Pelicans tip off, it’s a clash of philosophies. Steve Kerr still wants to move the ball, find the open man, and rain down threes. They shot 10-of-16 from deep in a single quarter against the Pels back in November. That’s demoralizing for a defense.

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New Orleans, under Borrego, tries to counter this by living in the paint. They don't have the shooters to match Golden State's volume, so they rely on Zion and Brandon Ingram to manufacture points at the rim or in the midrange. It’s a classic battle of "math vs. muscle." If the Warriors hit 40% of their threes, the Pelicans almost have to shoot 60% from the floor just to keep pace.

Honestly, the Pelicans' defense is where the wheels fall off. They are currently ranked 28th in the league for points allowed. You can't give Stephen Curry an inch when you're already struggling to rotate on the perimeter. That’s a recipe for a 30-point blowout.

The Emerging Rivalry of the Role Players

Everyone focuses on the stars. But look at Moses Moody. In a game where Curry was held to just 9 points by a stifling Herb Jones, Moody stepped up and torched the Pelicans for 32 points, hitting eight triples.

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That’s the "Warriors Way." If you take away the head of the snake, another one grows. For New Orleans, guys like Saddiq Bey and rookie Derik Queen have been the bright spots. Queen has been a rebounding machine, often outworking Draymond Green for second-chance opportunities. It’s these small battles in the trenches that make the Golden State Warriors vs. New Orleans Pelicans games worth the price of admission.

What to Expect in the Upcoming Matchups

As we look toward the February 24 clash at the Smoothie King Center, the stakes are lopsided. The Warriors are desperate to climb out of the 8th seed to avoid the Play-In Tournament. Every win is a lifeline. For the Pelicans, it’s about pride and auditioning. They’re looking at who belongs in the long-term future of the franchise.

1. Transition Defense: The Pelicans have to stop the Warriors' fast break. If they don't, it's over by halftime.
2. The Glass: New Orleans actually ranks high in offensive rebounding. They need to turn those into points.
3. Curry’s Health: He’s been dealing with a quad contusion lately. A limited Steph gives the Pels a massive opening.

It’s a lopsided season for these two franchises. But in a single 48-minute window, anything can happen. Especially when Zion is healthy and the Warriors decide to go cold for a quarter.

Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors

If you're following this rivalry, keep an eye on the injury reports about two hours before tip-off. Both teams have been volatile with late scratches this year.

• Watch the Over/Under: When these two play, the score usually flies past the projections because of the Pelicans' increased pace and the Warriors' shooting.
• Focus on the Third Quarter: This is historically when the Warriors make their run. If the Pelicans are up by 5 at the half, don't get comfortable.
• Player Props: Look at rebounding totals for Derik Queen. The Warriors have been bottom-10 in rebounding percentage this year, making it a goldmine for opposing centers.

Check the local broadcast schedules on NBC Sports Bay Area or the Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment network to catch the next installment. Whether it's a blowout or a nail-biter, the tactical shifts between Kerr and Borrego are always a masterclass in modern NBA coaching.