The Golden State Warriors will face the New Orleans Pelicans in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. The Warriors are the over-whelming favorite, but the Pelicans have Anthony Davis and a young, but talented supporting cast.
All our writers here at Warriors World have submitted their predictions, tell us what you think and comment at the bottom of the page:
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Jordan Ramirez:
Warriors in 5. The Warriors were probably hoping for the Thunder in the first round, given the fact they’d probably allow 130+ points in each game. Regardless, the Pelicans should be a similarly short series, given their suddenly healthy talent and polarizing superstar. The Pelicans won a close game against the Warriors just last week and also beat the Spurs to get them in. They’re playing well, excited and have the city of New Orleans to play for. But, that won’t be enough. Anthony Davis will get his even against Defensive Player of the Year candidates Draymond Green and Andrew Bogut, and given Kerr’s (probable) shortened rotation, the Warriors will be at their best with whatever lineup the coaching staff concocts.
Daniel Leroux:
Warriors in five. Golden State clearly has superior talent even though New Orleans has played well with a closer to healthy lineup after Jrue Holiday’s return. The Warriors have an elite defense and the type of offense that will cause problems for the Pelicans because of their perimeter talent. That being said, Anthony Davis is a special player and could swing at least one game (particularly a home game) by himself but one or even two games will not be enough to make the Warriors sweat.
Sheed Malek:
Warriors Sweep. The Pelicans making the playoffs is a cute story but it won’t last long. The Warriors will overwhelm the Pelicans from start to finish. The lack of defense on the wings for the Pelicans is going to be a huge problem- Steph Curry and Klay Thompson should have no trouble lighting it up. Look for the Warriors to swarm Anthony Davis with constant double teams, digs and a comprehensive defensive scheme which will put the onus on the Pelicans role players to supply the scoring punch instead of the talented Davis. Warriors win games 1 & 2 by 15+ and never look back. Bring out the brooms.
Alex Torres:
There is no question the Warriors will win this series, but in how many games? At first, I wanted to say six games, because I think Anthony Davis is too good, but so is Stephen Curry. I can’t see the Pelicans stealing a game on the road, which is why I think this series is over in five games.
The Pelicans have some good young talent and they have gotten healthy at the right time, but the Warriors are on a mission and they are simply too strong to let this series go past 5-6 games. Ron Adams will have a good game plan on defense to slow down Davis, which will be the key in this series.
Saam Esfandiari:
Warriors in 5. To be frank, the Warriors should be able to sweep New Orleans but I have too much respect for Anthony Davis. Over 4 games he’s bound to have one 40 point, 20 rebound, 8 block type monster game. He’s a match up nightmare for the entire league and while the Pelicans don’t always use him to the most of his capabilities, odds are at least one game they will. Sweeps are difficult and a fan base making it’s first playoff appearance in a post-Chris Paul era will be heard. I have no doubt the Warriors win this series convincingly, but I imagine the Pelicans will get one at home and Anthony Davis will mark his arrival on the national stage.
Yama Hazheer:
The Warriors will win in five games. Anthony Davis will help lead the young Pelicans to a Game 3 victory in New Orleans, but the Warriors should be able to handle them throughout the series. Jrue Holiday is back which obviously gives the Pelicans a big boost in the backcourt, but he hasn’t been in the playoffs since the 2011-12 season. Davis and Tyreke Evans have never played a postseason game. The Warriors are also better coached, have more talent, and are simply the superior team. This will be the shortest series in the Western Conference side of the bracket.
Jared Williams:
Outside of Elfrid Payton’s hair, Lebron going headband-less, and Steph setting the grassroots for his 2016 Presidential campaign, nothing this season has made me gape with unbridled bewilderment like Anthony Davis. Now, for a couple Brow related superlatives. The only players in the history of the NBA to have a higher PER than the Davis this year are, Wilt, MJ, and Lebron. According to Grantland’s Kirk Goldsberry, Davis shoots a higher percentage from the elbow than mid-range specialist Dirk Nowitzki. He essentially single-handedly saved Monty Williams’ job. So yes, as a Warriors fan Anthony Davis terrifies me.
With all of that said, the Warriors are in a different stratosphere than the Pelicans. It’ll be a gentleman’s sweep: Warriors in 5.