The New Orleans Pelicans and Golden State Warriors face off this Friday, March 28, in another thrilling matchup of the 2024/25 NBA regular season. Scheduled for 8:00 PM Brasília time (7:00 PM EDT), the game will take place at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. This clash promises to captivate basketball fans with the growing rivalry between these Western Conference teams, each navigating distinct paths in the competition. The Warriors aim to solidify their standing among the conference leaders, while the Pelicans look to rebound from a challenging season marred by injuries. Live coverage will be available for Brazilian and international audiences, ensuring access to every moment of this showdown featuring stars like Stephen Curry and Zion Williamson.
This Friday’s game carries significant weight for both franchises. The Warriors, currently seventh in the Western Conference, hold a 41-31 record with a 56% win rate. The California squad has experienced an up-and-down season but gained momentum with the addition of Jimmy Butler, bolstering the roster alongside Curry. Meanwhile, the Pelicans sit 14th with a 20-53 record, reflecting a disappointing campaign hindered by key absences. The Smoothie King Center matchup marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season, with Golden State holding a 3-0 edge so far. Historically, the Warriors lead the all-time series with 49 wins to the Pelicans’ 28 across 77 games.
The energy in New Orleans is expected to be electric, with the 17,000-seat arena anticipating a sizable crowd. The rivalry between the fanbases and the game’s importance in the season’s final stretch heighten the stakes. For the Warriors, a win could secure a stronger playoff position and bypass the play-in tournament. For the Pelicans, a victory offers a chance to regain confidence and prove their resilience against a dominant foe. Adding tactical depth to the contest are renowned coaches Steve Kerr of the Warriors and Willie Green of the Pelicans, whose strategies could tip the scales.
Live broadcast and viewing options
Basketball fans in Brazil can catch Pelicans vs Warriors live via the NBA League Pass, the league’s official streaming platform. It provides high-quality coverage with English audio options and multiple camera angles. The game tips off at 8:00 PM Brasília time, with pre-game coverage starting minutes earlier, offering warm-ups and analysis. For those seeking alternatives, the teams’ official social media accounts and sports websites will provide real-time updates on key plays, though the full experience is best enjoyed through the NBA’s streaming service.
Probable lineups and injury concerns
The lineups for Friday’s game come with anticipation and uncertainty. The Pelicans’ likely starting five includes Jordan Hawkins, Jose Alvarado, Kelly Olynyk, Keion Brooks Jr., and Yves Missi. However, the team is plagued by injuries: Zion Williamson is sidelined with a thigh issue, Dejounte Murray is out with a fractured hand, and Brandon Ingram (ankle) and CJ McCollum (right adductor) are questionable. Herbert Jones and Jose Alvarado also face fitness doubts. For the Warriors, the expected lineup features Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green. Curry, recently hampered by a knee injury, is listed as probable, with confirmation expected closer to tip-off. De’Anthony Melton, however, is ruled out for the season with a torn ACL.
Head-to-head history
The Pelicans-Warriors rivalry has a rich competitive backstory. Across 77 matchups, Golden State boasts 49 victories to New Orleans’ 28. This season, the Warriors swept the first three games, winning 124-106, 104-89, and a third by another double-digit margin. On the road, Golden State holds a 21-16 edge at the Smoothie King Center. While these stats highlight the Warriors’ recent dominance, the Pelicans have pulled off upsets in past seasons, particularly with home-court advantage.
Teams’ current form
The Golden State Warriors are hitting their stride at the right time. After a shaky start, the team has found rhythm with Jimmy Butler’s arrival, complementing Curry’s scoring prowess. In their last five games, the Warriors won four, including a 128-92 rout of the Charlotte Hornets. Draymond Green’s leadership and Brandin Podziemski’s emergence have bolstered the squad, which aims to sweep the Pelicans series. Coach Steve Kerr is likely to lean on fast-paced plays and three-point shooting, the franchise’s signature style.
In contrast, the Pelicans are grappling with a tough season, largely due to injuries. Over their last five games, they managed just one win—against the Toronto Raptors—while suffering heavy losses to teams like the Memphis Grizzlies (by 27 points) and Los Angeles Clippers (by 17). Despite Zion Williamson’s absence, players like Jordan Hawkins and Kelly Olynyk are stepping up. Coach Willie Green faces the task of adapting with a depleted roster, relying on quick transitions and aggressive defense to counter the Warriors’ attack.
Recent results for Pelicans and Warriors
The teams’ last five games underscore their contrasting trajectories:
- Pelicans: Win over Toronto Raptors (115-110), loss to Memphis Grizzlies (108-135), loss to Los Angeles Clippers (95-112), win over Indiana Pacers (125-118), loss to Portland Trail Blazers (98-112).
- Warriors: Win over Charlotte Hornets (128-92), win over Oklahoma City Thunder (104-97), win over Brooklyn Nets (118-105), win over Sacramento Kings (122-108), loss to Cleveland Cavaliers (108-122).
Game predictions for Friday
Analysts favor the Warriors, citing their season record and prior wins over the Pelicans. Golden State’s scoring average of 118 points per game outpaces New Orleans’ 105, reinforcing their edge. Still, the home factor and a potential Ingram return could make it close. A tight score like 110-105 in favor of the Warriors is a popular pick, though an upset by the Pelicans remains possible if Curry’s condition falters.
Arena and ticket information
The Smoothie King Center in New Orleans hosts this matchup. With a capacity of around 17,000, the venue is known for its lively atmosphere, fueled by the passionate local crowd. Tickets are available through the Pelicans’ official website, ranging from $30 to $200 depending on the section. High demand suggests fans secure seats early to witness the action live.
Weather forecast for New Orleans
Friday night in New Orleans should be pleasant for attendees. Temperatures are expected to range from 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C), with clear skies and no rain forecast. These conditions promise a comfortable experience outside the arena, while the game itself heats up inside.
Key players to watch
Stephen Curry remains the Warriors’ centerpiece, averaging 26 points per game with deadly three-point accuracy. Jimmy Butler adds versatility, contributing around 20 points and stout defense. For the Pelicans, Jordan Hawkins has shone amid injuries, while Kelly Olynyk brings veteran presence in the paint. If Brandon Ingram plays, his 22-point average could be a game-changer for the hosts.
Officiating crew
The NBA has yet to announce the referees for this game, but a seasoned trio is likely given its significance late in the season. Officials like Scott Foster or Tony Brothers, often assigned to high-profile matchups, could oversee the action, ensuring control over critical calls.
Fun facts about Pelicans vs Warriors
Here are some intriguing tidbits:
- The Warriors have won 11 of their last 12 games against the Pelicans, including playoff matchups.
- Zion Williamson, despite his injury, leads the Pelicans with 23.5 points per game this season.
- Stephen Curry dropped 39 points in one game against New Orleans this year.
- The Smoothie King Center saw a memorable Pelicans win over the Warriors in 2015, 112-104.
Upcoming schedule
After Friday’s clash, the teams’ paths diverge:
- Pelicans: March 30 vs Phoenix Suns (home), April 1 vs Denver Nuggets (away), April 3 vs Utah Jazz (home).
- Warriors: March 30 vs Dallas Mavericks (home), April 2 vs Los Angeles Lakers (away), April 4 vs Houston Rockets (home).
Game’s stakes in the season
With the regular season winding down, every result matters. The Warriors aim to lock in seventh place and avoid the play-in, while the Pelicans need a miracle to climb the standings and keep playoff hopes alive. The rivalry and talent on display make this a marquee matchup in Friday’s NBA slate.
Coaches in the spotlight
Steve Kerr, 59, brings a championship pedigree to the Warriors, with four NBA titles and a knack for innovation. He continues shaping the team around Curry, now with Butler as a key asset. Willie Green, 43, in his fourth year with the Pelicans, navigates adversity with a young roster, aiming to upset stronger opponents like Golden State.
What to expect from the matchup
The blend of star power, rivalry, and context makes Pelicans vs Warriors a must-watch. The Warriors enter as favorites, but the NBA’s unpredictability and New Orleans’ home pride could spark a close contest. Curry’s status will be pivotal, as will the Pelicans’ ability to exploit any Warriors’ weaknesses. Tip-off at 8:00 PM Brasília time sets the stage for a night of top-tier basketball.