Vegas Play of the Day: New Orleans Pelicans at Golden State Warriors

By Case Keefer (contact)

Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018 | 1:07 p.m.

The fifth season of the annual Play of the Day betting competition between the Sun's sports staff is now under way, effective July 1.

Bankrolls start at $10,000 for each of the four participants, with the objective to increase it as much as possible over the next year. The minimum daily wager is $300, with a $200 penalty assessed for failing to place a bet on an assigned day.

Past winners are Case Keefer in 2017-2018, Ray Brewer in 2016-2017 and 2015-2016, and Taylor Bern in 2014-2015.

New Orleans Pelicans plus-10 at Golden State Warriors: $660 to win $600

Anthony Davis is a game-time decision, and although I’m obviously not privy to any inside information, I think he’ll be back tonight from following the situation. The MVP candidate has already missed two games with an injury that was not considered to be serious.

And if he’s back, then this price is a steal. New Orleans is ready to make the leap as one of the better teams in the Western Conference, as seen in a 4-0 straight-up, 3-1 against the spread start to the season.

Even in the event that Davis doesn’t return, this isn’t a sure loser. The Pelicans played much better in Davis’ absence in their second game without him, covering plus-9 in a 116-111 loss at Denver, and they could hang close with the Warriors.

Let’s not forget that Golden State was 14 games under .500 against the spread during last year’s regular season, as it struggled with motivation on a nightly basis. Tonight will be the Warriors’ third game in four days, and it’s highly unlikely to get their sharpest performance.

New Orleans keeps it close regardless. With Davis, the Pelicans just might win.

Current Standings: Grimala (10-8, $7,615), Keefer (12-12-1, $7,431), Brewer (5-11-1, $5,100)

Case Keefer can be reached at 702-948-2790 or [email protected]. Follow Case on Twitter at twitter.com/casekeefer.