They think the Pelicans will lose in five, six or seven games.
ESPN is at it again.
Before the first round of the NBA playoffs, the network’s panel of 22 experts unanimously projected the New Orleans Pelicans to lose to the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Pelicans won, completing a four-game series sweep in the process.
Now the second round is about to begin, and ESPN again has a panel of 22 experts unanimously picking against the Pelicans.
Five panelists have the Golden State Warriors winning the series in five games, with the rest of them seeing a more competitive series. Sixteen panelists project a six-game series and one panelist sees the series going the full seven games.
The first-round predictions caught the attention of Pelicans players, including Anthony Davis, who made reference during a postgame press conference to the 22 picks against his team.
ESPN is not the only outlet picking against the Pelicans.
— CBS Sports has a panel of seven experts who think the Warriors will win. Five panelists have them winning in six games, one in seven and one in five.
— One writer for The Sporting News has the Warriors winning in five games.
— This SI.com video says the Pelicans will provide the Warriors their toughest test in the postseason. No prediction here, but it offers at least a sliver of optimism.
One key factor in the series will be the playing status of five-time All-Star point guard Stephen Curry. He missed the last 15 games with a knee ligament sprain. He recently returned to practice and scrimmaged Friday for the first time since in the injury in March.
