One night after downing a strong Mavericks team in Dallas, the Warriors will try to push their ongoing franchise-record win streak to 16 against the Pelicans in New Orleans.
The Warriors (20-2) continue to pair their reputation for with a newfound image of defense, holding all 22 opponents this season below 50 percent shooting.
The Pelicans (11-11) are coming off an impressive 119-114 win over LeBron James and the Cavaliers on Friday night in New Orleans.
OPENING LINE
No line.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH
Draymond Green vs. Anthony Davis. Though Davis is listed as questionable, he likely will play. Davis blocks shots from all angles, pounds the glass and is averaging 24.3 points per game. The league's brightest young star is, in Green's words, "a problem."
Klay Thompson vs. Tyreke Evans. Evans isn't much of a defender and he's a one-dimensional scorer, constantly slashing toward the hoop. He's very, very good at it and has been on a nice run. Klay can't let him run wild, even though he's certain to score on Evans.
Stephen Curry vs. Jrue Holiday. Holiday is a solid playmaker whose shot has come around; he's 9-of-14 on 3-pointers over the last three games. He'll make Curry work on defense. Curry's offense, however, is capable of torching Holiday.
KEYS TO VICTORY
1) Shave the 'brow. Davis, who leads the league in blocks (2.73 per game) and ranks fourth in scoring (24.3), can take command at either end. The Warriors are in trouble if he does.
2) Slay 'em with treys. The Pelicans' perimeter defense is vulnerable. With Curry and Thompson and Green, the Warriors have the ability to rain treys over any defense.
3) Protect the paint. With 3-point specialist Ryan Anderson the notable exception, the Pelicans are built to bruise. They'd rather drive than launch. With Bogut out, the Warriors will have to swarm.
INJURY REPORT
Warriors: C Andrew Bogut (right knee tendinitis) and F David Lee (strained left hamstring) are listed as out.
Pelicans: F Anthony Davis (chest contusion) is listed as questionable. G Eric Gordon (left shoulder subluxation) is out.
SERIES HISTORY
The Warriors have won six in a row in New Orleans – the last loss coming in March 2010, when the Pelicans still were the Hornets – and have beaten the Pels eight consecutive times overall. The Warriors took a 112-85 decision on Dec. 4 at Oracle Arena.
