Gameday: Warriors can expect to see healthier Pelicans

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Though the Warriors mashed the Pelicans on opening night last Tuesday in Oakland, the circumstances will be vastly different when the teams meet Saturday night.

For one, the game will be at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.

For two, the Pelicans will have more roster flexibility. Starting point guard Jrue Holiday, who was unavailable four days ago, is expected to start. In addition, New Orleans’ starting center Omer Asik, who missed the game at Oracle Arena with a calf strain, also could be back in the lineup.

For three, the Warriors, playing their first back-to-back set of the season, will be taking the court less than 20 hours after a 112-92 victory over the Rockets Friday night in Houston.

These factors should add up to a much more competitive game than the 111-95 runaway the Warriors reeled off in the first meeting with the Pelicans.

[REWIND: To Walton, road trip already successful for Warriors]

OPENING LINE:
Warriors by 5.

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MATCHUP TO WATCH:
Warriors F Draymond Green vs. Pelicans F Anthony Davis. Any chance of the Pelicans winning a game in their current depleted state pretty much sits in the lap of Davis. He’s a nightmare matchup, too long for most small forwards and too quick for most power forwards. He’s learning a new offense, though, and that should help Green – as will the many reinforcements the Warriors will send toward Davis.

INJURY REPORT:
Warriors: C Andrew Bogut (concussion) is not with the team. F Kevon Looney (hip surgery) is out indefinitely.

Pelicans: G Norris Cole (L ankle sprain), G Tyreke Evans (R knee surgery) and F Quincy Pondexter (L knee surgery) are listed as out. C Omer Asik (R calf sprain) and F Luke Babbitt (L hamstring strain) are listed as questionable.

SERIES HISTORY:
The Warriors swept the Pelicans (4-0) in the first round of the playoffs last season and also have beaten New Orleans in 11 of the past 12 meetings.

QUOTABLE:
“We couldn’t ask a better start, 2-0. We have a quick turnaround and that will be a test for us tomorrow against a playoff team on the road. We have to continue playing team basketball and we can be the same if not a better team than last year.” – Warriors guard Klay Thompson.

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