Pelicans vs. Warriors Game Preview | March 3

The New Orleans Pelicans have some bounce back in their step going into a Bay Area battle with the Golden State Warriors.

Chris Dodson | Mar 2, 2023

Pelicans vs. Warriors Game Preview | March 3 /

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New Orleans Pelicans

NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans Pelicans (31-32, 10th) have some bounce back in their step headed into a Bay Area battle against the Golden State Warriors.

Brandon Ingram's 40-point night in Portland helped to jumpstart the Pelicans' and give the team momentum to begin their three-game road trip. The win partially lifted the cloud hovering over Willie Green's squad like a heavy morning fog.

After beating the Trail Blazers, New Orleans is 5-5 in their last ten games, having won eight (8-19) since New Year's Day. They are 1.5 games behind Golden State (32-30) for the 5th seed in the Western Conference with an improved point differential.

Pelicans Injuries Update

The Pelicans reported that Zion Williamson (hamstring) is out while awaiting a new set of scans scheduled for next week. Jose Alvarado (right tibia stress reaction) and Larry Nance Jr. (ankle) are also ruled out. Jonas Valanciunas (calf) is day-to-day.

Mar 1, 2023; Portland, Oregon, USA; New Orleans Pelicans small forward Brandon Ingram (14) shoots the ball against Portland Trail Blazers small forward Nassir Little (10) during the second half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

When: Friday, March 3 @ 9:00 PM CT
Where: Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
Watch: Bally Sports NO
Listen: 99.5 WRNO

Golden State will be without All-Stars Steph Curry (lower leg) and Andrew Wiggins, who has not played for the Warriors since Feb. 13 due to a personal family matter. Andre Iguodala will also be missing in action for the defending champs.

Coach Green can relate to his former boss's dilemma. Steve Kerr explained after a Feb. 28 win over Portland, "I think we can feel the finish line. We know Steph's going to be back before too long, hopefully [Andrew Wiggins], hopefully, Gary [Payton II]. So we got reinforcements coming, and in the meantime, these guys are doing a hell of a job. It feels like there's some grit and some toughness, and the guys are really coming together. It's fun to watch."

Despite the missing star power, it's a well-match battle for postseason positioning. New Orleans (4th) and Golden State (3rd) have explosive offenses and are in the top ten in three-point percentages.

Nov 4, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) shoots the ball against Golden State Warriors center James Wiseman (33) during the third quarter at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports

The Warriors take more three-point shots than anyone else in the NBA. Conversely, the Pelicans are next-to-last in total volume from beyond the arc.

This season, New Orleans can have another rare occurrence by stealing another road win against the Golden State. The Warriors commit more fouls and turnovers.

New Orleans is the NBA's 3rd-best in snatching steals and grabbing rebounds (7th best). The Warriors are in the bottom half in both categories.

The Pelicans did not commit a turnover in the second half against Portland. Will they maintain focus by limiting turnovers on the second leg of their three-game road trip in California?

Another bounce-back performance would go a long way easing the pressure in the New Orleans locker room. Getting a win against the champs without Curry in the lineup should help tilt the balance in favor of Brandon Ingram and company.

Nov 4, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III (25) drives to the basket against the Golden State Warriors during the third quarter at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports

Projected Starting Lineups:

Warriors: Jordan Poole, Klay Thompson, Donte DiVincenzo, Draymond Green, Kevin Looney

Pelicans: CJ McCollum, Josh Richardson, Brandon Ingram, Trey Murphy III, Willy Hernangomez

Pelicans Injuries Update

Projected Starting Lineups:

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