The New Orleans Pelicans will close their season series with the Golden State Warriors on Friday night at the Smoothie King Center. With the Pelicans dealing with a long list of injuries and the Warriors fighting for playoff positioning, this game presents a significant challenge for New Orleans. It also presents another opportunity for young players to take advantage of in-game minutes.
Injury Woes for New Orleans
New Orleans will be without six key players, including Zion Williamson, Herb Jones, CJ McCollum, Trey Murphy III, Dejounte Murray, and Brandon Boston Jr. The Pelicans’ depth has been tested throughout the season, and this matchup will once again force them to rely on a mix of recently acquired veterans and young talent.
Jose Alvarado and Jordan Hawkins will assume the ball-handling duties, while Kelly Olynyk, Yves Missi, and Karlo Matkovic will be counted on to hold down the paint. Keion Brooks Jr., fresh off making his first career start against Philadelphia, could see an expanded role after Monday’s win over the 76ers.
Golden State’s Playoff Push
The Warriors, meanwhile, are expected to get a major boost with the return of Stephen Curry, who has missed the last two games with a pelvic contusion. Golden State head coach Steve Kerr has said Curry is trending in the right direction, and his availability would give the Warriors a huge lift as they try to climb the standings.
The Warriors enter the night with a 41-31 record, tied with the Clippers for sixth in the Western Conference but currently holding the seventh seed due to tiebreakers. With only ten games remaining in the regular season, every win matters as they try to avoid the play-in tournament.
Dominance in the Season Series
Golden State has controlled this season series, winning all three previous matchups. The Warriors’ defense has been a major factor in the wins, holding the Pelicans to 101 points per game. Their ability to control the pace and dictate the tempo has allowed them to frustrate New Orleans, and they will likely look to do the same again.
The Warriors’ three-point shooting has been a weapon all season, ranking near the top of the league in both attempts and makes, even though their accuracy has been average at best. Rookie big man Quinten Post has been a surprise contributor, leading the team in three-point percentage, while Curry remains their most dangerous threat from deep.
Keys for the Pelicans
The Pelicans’ challenge will be generating consistent offense without their top scorers. Offensive rebounding has been a strength, with Missi playing a key role in creating second-chance opportunities. New Orleans must make the most of those extra possessions while tightening its defense.
The Pelicans have struggled to contain opponents in recent weeks, allowing an average of 121.6 points per game over their last ten contests. If Golden State is hitting shots early, it could be a long night for New Orleans.
A Chance to Compete
While the Warriors have everything to play for in terms of playoff positioning, the Pelicans are looking to build momentum with their remaining games. The odds are stacked against them, especially if Curry returns. If New Orleans can stay aggressive, control the boards, and keep the pace in check, they may make things interesting.
Most Recent Starting Lineups
| Golden State Warriors | New Orleans Pelicans |
| G – Moses Moody | G – Jose Alvarado |
| G – Brandin Podziemski | G – Jordan Hawkins |
| F – Gary Payton II | F – Keion Brooks Jr. |
| F – Jimmy Butler III | F – Kelly Olynyk |
| C – Draymond Green | F – Yves Missi |
Injuries
Golden State Warriors: Stephen Curry (left pelvic contusion) is QUESTIONABLE.
New Orleans Pelicans: Brandon Boston (left ankle stress reaction), Herb Jones (right shoulder torn rotator cuff), Trey Murphy (right shoulder), CJ McCollum (right foot contusion), Dejounte Murray (right Achilles rupture), and Zion Williamson (low back contusion) are OUT.
Who: New Orleans Pelicans (20-53) vs Golden State Warriors (41-31)
Season Series:
- Oct. 29: Warriors def. Pelicans, 124-106
- Oct. 30: Warriors def. Pelicans, 104-89
- Nov. 22: Warriors def. Pelicans, 112-108
- Mar. 28: Pelicans vs. Warriors
Series History: The New Orleans Pelicans are 28-49 all-time against the Golden State Warriors and have lost three straight in the series.
Where: Smoothie King Center
When: Mar. 28, 7:00 PM CT
Where to watch: Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network
Where to listen: WWL Radio 870 AM
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