The Golden State Warriors (11-3) visit the New Orleans Pelicans (4-12) in a Western Conference NBA Cup matchup on Friday at 7:30 PM EST. The Warriors are 9.5-point road favorites with the total set at 222.5.

The Warriors have dominated this matchup historically, winning 48 of 76 all-time meetings, including two double-digit victories over the Pelicans this season - both without Stephen Curry. The two-time MVP is probable to return Friday despite a minor knee issue.

The Pelicans are severely undermanned, missing several key players including Zion Williamson (hamstring), Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, and Dejounte Murray. They'll rely heavily on young players Jordan Hawkins and Antonio Reeves to generate offense.

Golden State brings significant advantages:

• 5th in NBA scoring defense (109.1 ppg)
• League leaders in assists (30.5)
• 3rd in scoring (119.6 ppg)

The betting market heavily favors the Warriors:

• 84% of spread bets on Golden State
• 90% of handle backing Warriors
• Line moved from -9 to -9.5
• Warriors have 84.6% implied win probability

Prediction: Warriors -9.5 (-120). The depleted Pelicans lack the firepower to keep pace with Golden State's elite offense and defense. The total leans under 222.5 points due to New Orleans' offensive limitations.

Early betting trends and injury situations strongly support taking the Warriors to cover the spread and extend the Pelicans' losing streak to four games.

[Social media embed for injury updates removed for clarity]

Recent trends and injuries point to a comfortable Warriors victory in what should be a relatively low-scoring affair, despite the high total set by oddsmakers.

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