The New Orleans Pelicans host the Golden State Warriors tonight in a pivotal NBA Cup Group C matchup at the Smoothie King Center. The stakes couldn’t be higher for a shorthanded Pelicans squad as they fight to stay alive in the race for a quarterfinal spot in the league’s in-season tournament.
The Path Forward
New Orleans enters the night with a 1-1 record in Group C. To advance, the Pelicans must win their final two games, including a Black Friday showdown in Memphis, while also needing Dallas (1-1) to drop at least one of its remaining games. The odds are against them, but the Pelicans are optimistic with key reinforcements returning to the lineup soon.
Hawkins, Murphy Return
Second-year guard Jordan Hawkins could be ready to play after a seven-game absence due to a back strain. He is listed as questionable for Friday’s game. His return addresses one of New Orleans’ biggest challenges—scoring. Hawkins’ elite floor spacing and shooting ability will be a welcome addition to a team that has struggled to break the 100-point mark consistently in recent games.
Forward Trey Murphy III is also expected to suit up, adding another offensive weapon to the Pelicans’ rotation. Brandon Ingram, the team’s leading scorer in two earlier matchups with Golden State, is listed as questionable but could provide a major boost if available. Unfortunately, the Pelicans will remain without Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, and Jose Alvarado.
| West Group C | Win/Loss | Pt. Differential |
| Golden State | 2-0 | +8 |
| Dallas | 1-1 | +38 |
| Denver | 1-1 | +5 |
| New Orleans | 1-1 | -34 |
| Memphis | 0-2 | -17 |
Golden State’s Challenge
The Pelicans face a Warriors team that leads the Western Conference and has been firing on all cylinders. Golden State enters with an unbeaten 2-0 record in Group C and boasts one of the league’s most balanced attacks. The Warriors are third in scoring (119.6 PPG) and fourth in defensive rating (105.7). They’ve already beaten New Orleans twice this season, leaning on sharpshooter and former Pelicans first-rounder Buddy Hield, who averaged 24.5 points in those meetings.
Despite those earlier losses, Pelicans head coach Willie Green sees growth opportunities. “This is a chance for us to test ourselves against the best,” Green said. “We’ve got to take care of the basketball and focus on execution.”
Keys for the Pelicans
New Orleans must limit turnovers and improve their ball movement to challenge Golden State’s defense. The Pelicans struggled with a 1.21 assist-to-turnover ratio in their October losses to the Warriors, a trend they’ll need to reverse. Defensively, slowing down the Warriors’ three-point shooting will be critical.
Murphy emphasized Hawkins’ importance to the team, saying, “Spacing is the biggest thing. He’s going to knock down shots and help us win games.” If Hawkins and Murphy can find their rhythm, the Pelicans may have the firepower to stay competitive.
Can the Pelicans Rally?
New Orleans has faced adversity all season, but tonight’s game offers a chance to rally with their NBA Cup hopes hanging by a thread. If they can find their groove offensively and capitalize on the energy of the home crowd, the Pelicans could pull off a statement win against a Western Conference powerhouse.
Most Recent Starting Lineups
| Golden State Warriors | New Orleans Pelicans |
| G – Stephen Curry | G – Elfrid Payton |
| G – Lindy Waters III | G – Brandon Boston |
| F – Andrew Wiggins | F – Javonte Green |
| F – Draymond Green | F – Jeremiah Robinson-Earl |
| C – Trayce Jackson-Davis | C – Yves Missi |
Injuries
Golden State Warriors: Stephen Curry (left knee bursitis) is PROBABLE. De’Anthony Melton (ACL surgery) is OUT.
New Orleans Pelicans: Jordan Hawkins (low back strain), Brandon Ingram (left ankle sprain), and Yves Missi (left shoulder soreness) are QUESTIONABLE. CJ McCollum (right adductor strain) is DOUBTFUL. Jose Alvarado (left hamstring strain), Herb Jones (right shoulder strain), Dejounte Murray (left hand fracture), and Zion Williamson (left hamstring strain) are OUT.
Who: New Orleans Pelicans (4-12) vs Golden State Warriors (11-3)
Season Series:
- Oct. 29: Warriors def. Pelicans, 124-106
- Oct. 30: Warriors def. Pelicans, 104-89
- Nov. 22: Pelicans vs. Warriors
- Mar. 28: Pelicans vs. Warriors
Series History: The Pelicans are 28-48 all-time vs. the Warriors. New Orleans has lost two in a row to Golden State, and five of the last seven against the Warriors.
Where: Smoothie King Center
When: Nov. 22, 6:30 PM CST
Where to watch: Pelicans+, Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network
Where to listen: WWL Radio 870 AM/105.3 FM
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