Programming note: Warriors-Pelicans coverage starts today at 4:30 p.m. with Warriors Pregame Live on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, and streaming live right here (channel listings).
Only once since Christmas have the Warriors lost back-to-back games, and they'll be out to dodge a second such instance when they take the court Tuesday night in New Orleans.
Coming off their most lopsided loss of the season, the Warriors have something in their favor. They're facing the Pelicans, who in recent seasons have been a profoundly compliant opponent.
The Warriors (63-14) have been more dominating against the Pelicans than any team in the NBA, winning the last 10 meetings. They haven't lost in New Orleans since 2010, when Corey Maggette and Vladimir Radmanovic were on the roster.
These Pelicans (41-35), however, are on the edge of the playoff race, mostly because of the production and presence of star power forward Anthony Davis.
OPENING LINE
Warriors by 4.5.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH
Draymond Green vs. Anthony Davis: Asked earlier this season for his impressions of Davis, Green was succinct: "He's a problem." Indeed, he is. Davis, who last month turned 22, already is a talented as any big man in the league. Green on defense will make every effort to push Davis out of the paint. On offense, he'll try to pull him out.
Klay Thompson vs. Tyreke Evans: Evans has played three positions this season but mostly operates at the point, where he is as bullish as they come. Thompson will try to cut off driving lanes and force Evans to hoist jumpers. Evans is an indifferent defender, and Thompson is coming off a poor game. He rarely has two in a row.
Stephen Curry vs. Eric Gordon: Gordon is the smallest man in the starting lineup, at 215 pounds. He's been on a roll, shooting 55 percent (11 of 20) from deep over his last four games. Curry, of course, will give any defender fits. That goes double when examining the Gordon and his backcourt teammates.
KEYS TO VICTORY
1) Run, run, run: The Warriors are the best in the league when they set a fast tempo. If they set the pace, the Pelicans won't have enough quality depth to keep up.
2) Attack the paint: Davis is a terrific shot-blocker. Center Omer Asik is not. If Green occupies the Unibrow, the Warriors can feast on the weak side and get to the rim.
3) D it up: The Dubs in the last meeting applied pressure and forced 20 turnovers, 16 by guards and wings. Why not repeat the formula against a club lacking a point guard?
LAST 10
Warriors 9-1, Pelicans 5-5.
INJURY REPORT
Warriors: No injuries listed.
Pelicans: G Jrue Holiday (right leg stress reaction) is listed as out.
SERIES HISTORY
The Warriors have won the last 10 meetings, their longest win streak over any opponent, and have not lost at New Orleans since March 8, 2010.
