Tip-off: Tuesday, 8:00 p.m. ET
Line: Golden State -4.5, Total: 205.0

The Pelicans look to close in on the eighth seed in the Western Conference with a home victory over the Warriors Tuesday.

The Warriors went into San Antonio on a 12-game SU winning streak and left with a 107-92 loss as 6-point underdogs. Golden State has still covered in 10 of its past 13 games and is playing very well recently. The Pelicans, meanwhile, lost 99-90 as 5-point underdogs in Portland and the defeat snapped their four-game SU winning streak. New Orleans is fighting Oklahoma City for the final playoff spot in the West and will need every win it can get moving forward. This victory will not be easy for the Pelicans though as the Warriors have won 10 straight games in this head-to-head series SU. Golden State has covered in seven of those games as well. On the season, the Warriors are 20-7 ATS as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points. They are also 12-3 ATS against Southwest division opponents this season. The Pelicans, however, are 23-11 ATS as an underdog this season and 16-5 ATS when coming off of a road loss as well. C Andrew Bogut (Foot) is questionable for the Warriors in this game and PG Jrue Holiday (Leg) is out indefinitely for the Pelicans.

Can the Pelicans stay alive in the playoff race with a win over the Warriors in New Orleans Tuesday? For the answer, connect to The Platinum Sheet for all the Expert picks throughout the entire 2014-15 season. In terms of Best Bets, the experts have a huge 59% ATS (199-136-4) record since Jan. 2, led by StatFox Brian who has a lofty 61% ATS (26-17-1) mark in Best Bets since Feb. 4, and is now 57% ATS (65-49-1) in season Best Bets. StatFox Gary has a strong 55% ATS (37-30-1) mark in NBA Best Bets since Jan. 1, and is 54% ATS (62-52-1) this season. StatFox Scott is also sizzling with a 60% ATS record (44-30-1) in Best Bets since Dec. 21, improving his record to 55% ATS (63-51-1) for the season. StatFox Zach is a scorching 64% ATS (43-24-1) in NBA Best Bets since Jan. 2, while StatFox Dave is a robust 63% ATS (31-18) in NBA Best Bets since Jan. 28.

The Warriors really struggled in San Antonio last game, but they have to turn things around quickly and face a very hungry Pelicans team on Tuesday. Stephen Curry (23.6 PPG, 7.7 APG, 4.3 RPG, 2.0 SPG) was one of the only players to show up for Golden State last game, finishing with 24 points, six assists, four rebounds and a steal in 30 minutes of action. He’s averaging 23.0 PPG and 9.7 APG in three games against the Pelicans this season and will need to burn a Pelicans team that is weak at the point guard position on Tuesday. SG Klay Thompson (21.5 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 3.0 APG, 1.1 SPG) had just six points on 3-for-11 shooting against the Spurs and will need to find his stroke in this one. He is, however, averaging 26.0 PPG in two meetings with New Orleans this season. His defense will be big in this game and if he can knock down open shots then he will make Steph Curry’s job much easier. PF Draymond Green (11.6 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.6 SPG, 1.3 BPG0 is going to have to play some incredible defense in this one. He could see some time guarding Anthony Davis and if that’s the case then he must hold his own in one-on-one situations. C Andrew Bogut (6.3 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1.6 BPG) is questionable in this game and he would be a big loss for this team if he can’t play. Bogut is one of the best defenders on this team and would be a big boost when going up against Davis.

The Pelicans are coming down to their final chances at earning a playoff spot this season and they’ll need to come away with a victory over Golden State on Tuesday. PF Anthony Davis (24.4 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 3.0 BPG) is this team’s best player and would be a serious MVP candidate if the Pelicans were higher in the standings. Davis dominated the Warriors in his first meeting with the team, putting up 30 points and also finishing with 15 boards and three blocks in 38 minutes of action. He has a major height advantage over Draymond Green and also more speed than Andrew Bogut. The Pelicans will need to feature him heavily on Tuesday. SF Tyreke Evans (16.8 PPG, 6.6 APG, 5.3 RPG, 1.2 SPG) has pretty much been the Pelicans’ point guard this season. Evans has been on fire for this team recently, averaging 18.0 PPG and 8.2 APG over the past five contests. He’ll need to hold his own against Steph Curry in this one. SG Eric Gordon (13.3 PPG, 3.9 APG) is going to be the x-factor in this game. He is scorching hot over the past two contests, averaging 21.5 PPG and going 8-for-14 from three in those contests. He has been shooting extremely well all season (45% 3PT) and must play at a high level on both ends of the floor against Klay Thompson. He had just 12 points in the game against the Warriors earlier in the year and must be better Tuesday.