The New Orleans Pelicans have been turning heads this season with their undefeated record and formidable defensive prowess. Currently ranked second in Defensive Rating with an impressive 95.0, the Pelicans have shown that they are a force to be reckoned with on the court.

Despite a limited sample size of just two games, the Pelicans' early defensive success suggests that they have the potential to finish among the top defensive teams in the league. Even after the trade deadline last season, the team managed to secure a seventh-place ranking in defense, demonstrating their commitment to shutting down opponents.

While their defensive achievements are commendable, the Pelicans' success will also depend on their offensive efficiency. Although their offense currently sits at 102.0, which leaves room for improvement, the team is optimistic that having more time with Zion Williamson will help elevate their scoring capabilities throughout the season.

On Monday, the Pelicans will face one of their toughest challenges yet as they take on the Golden State Warriors led by the formidable Stephen Curry. The Warriors, currently holding a record of 2-1, have relied on their defense to secure victories, even in the absence of Draymond Green due to an ankle injury.

Given the Warriors' back-to-back schedule, many believe that the Pelicans hold an advantage heading into the game. Even without considering the schedule spot, experts predict the Pelicans as a strong favorite, with a projected -4.8 point spread advantage on their home court for the full game.

Furthermore, recent trends suggest that betting on the Pelicans in the first half could yield favorable outcomes. Since the 2020-21 season, the Warriors have struggled as road underdogs, boasting a less than impressive 24-33-3 record against the spread in the first half. Fading the Warriors in these scenarios has resulted in a 10.5% return on investment.

Moreover, when Golden State enters a game off a win of 10 points or more, their performance has been lackluster, evidenced by a 20-30-3 against the spread record and a 17% return on investment for those who bet against them, according to BetLabs.

With all these factors in consideration, many are leaning towards the Pelicans as the likely victors. Taking into account the first-half trends, experts have narrowed down the Pelicans' advantage to a spread of -2.5.

As the anticipation builds for the matchup between the Pelicans and the Warriors, fans and bettors alike await the outcome of this exciting game. Will the Pelicans' impressive defense be enough to secure victory against the Warriors, or will Stephen Curry and his teammates pull off a road upset? Only time will tell.

In the meantime, sports enthusiasts can take advantage of FanDuel's generous welcome offer of $150 in bonus bets when signing up, making it an opportune time to bet on the Pelicans' first-half spread and potentially capitalize on their likely success.