Pelicans vs Warriors Prediction 25 February 2026

The New Orleans Pelicans are navigating yet another season as underdogs in the league. However, their last five games have been promising, securing three wins. By their standards, the team is performing reasonably well offensively, averaging 114.8 points per game (21st in the league). Clearly, the players have found some chemistry by winter's end, leaving fans to lament that it didn't happen sooner.

Defensively, there's still a significant amount of work to be done (allowing 120.6 points, 27th position). This shortcoming often proves to be a stumbling block for New Orleans. Yet, it didn't stop them from confidently defeating Philadelphia with a score of 126-111. The trio of Poole, Zion, and Bey combined for 64 points, while the role players also contributed effectively. It seems that by shedding psychological burdens, the Pelicans are playing with more freedom and are poised to challenge any opponent in the near future.

The Golden State Warriors continue to experience inconsistency this season, alternating between strong performances and mediocre ones, largely due to significant roster issues and, consequently, on-court struggles. In their last five games, Steve Kerr's squad managed just two victories. Over the past ten games, they've registered a similar pattern with four wins and six losses.

In their previous matchup, the Warriors triumphed at home against the formidable Denver Nuggets (117-128), despite being clear underdogs according to bookmakers-a situation exacerbated by injuries to Butler and Curry. The role players stepped up impressively, particularly Moody, who scored 23 points, and Podziemski, who contributed 18 points and 15 rebounds. The question remains, however, how often they can deliver such performances moving forward, as their success in the playoff race will hinge on it.