NEW ORLEANS -- After watching video of their abysmal work against the Pelicans in Game 3, the Warriors vow to bounce back in Game 4 on Sunday and take control of the Western Conference Semifinals.
Pregame coverage on NBC Sports Bay Area begins at 11:30 a.m., with postgame coverage immediately after the final horn of the ABC telecast.
Though the Warriors have a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series, they likely will try their third different lineup. After starting Nick Young in the first two games and JaVale McGee in Game 3, coach Steve Kerr may turn to either Andre Iguodala (at forward) or Kevon Looney (at center) to join the team’s four All-Stars.
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SIGN UP HERE The Pelicans lost Games 1 and 2 in Oakland but have improved in each game, blowing the Warriors off the court, 119-100, in Game 3 at Smoothie King Center.
BETTING LINE
Warriors by 6
MATCHUP TO WATCH
Golden State Warriors
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Draymond Green vs. Anthony Davis: Davis was superb in Game 3, posting 33 points and 18 rebounds against soft Warriors defense and leaving Green practically pleading for the opportunity to defend him. He’ll probably get that chance, and if Green somehow manages to contain Davis it’s a huge advantage for the Warriors.
INJURY REPORT
Warriors: G Pat McCaw (lumbar spine contusion) is listed as out.
Pelicans: C Alexis Ajinca (R knee injury), DeMarcus Cousins (L Achilles rupture) and G Frank Jackson (R foot fracture) are listed as out.
GAME OFFICIALS
James Capers (crew chief), Tom Washington, Zach Zarba, Bennie Adams (alternate)
SERIES HISTORY
Game 1: Warriors 123, Pelicans 101. Game 2: Warriors 121, Pelicans 116 Game 3: Pelicans 119, Warriors 100
The Warriors defeated New Orleans in three of four meetings during the regular season and are 13-2 against the Pelicans in the regular season in the Steve Kerr era.
THREE THINGS TO WATCH
EMOTIONS: There has been an increasing amount of borderline dirty play, nearly all of it by Pelicans PG Rajon Rondo. He has had several altercations with Green but also made a blatant swipe at the ankle of Stephen Curry. The Warriors took note and will report it to the NBA, but many eyes will be on Rondo and his behavior.
DEFENDING RONDO: Rondo is the primary reason for New Orleans’ gradual improvement in the series, as he has done an increasingly impressive job carving up the Warriors defense. The Warriors have used several defenders, including Green, but could resort to using a wing such as Klay Thompson and Andre Iguodala to cut off passing lanes.
KD AND STEPH: Green made it clear is urging Kevin Durant and Curry to be more aggressive on offense, reminding them that they are premier scorers capable of racking up points regardless of the conditions. If Durant and Curry can combine for 60 points, which is conceivable, it would put the Warriors in position to win.