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New Orleans Pelicans Preview: How to get win no. 2 vs Warriors

By George Hathaway

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 20: Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives to the basket against Eric Paschall #7 of the Golden State Warriors in the first half at Chase Center on December 20, 2019 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 20: Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives to the basket against Eric Paschall #7 of the Golden State Warriors in the first half at Chase Center on December 20, 2019 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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The New Orleans Pelicans are sitting at the bottom of the NBA with a 1-8 record. They travel to San Francisco to play the red hot Golden State Warriors. This will be a tough matchup for the Pels as they are missing a few pieces.

New Orleans Pelicans and Golden State Warriors last game

The New Orleans Pelicans lost to the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night. New Orleans played well up until the 4th quarter when they were outscored 20-12. Garrett Temple and Josh Hart both got the start for an injured Herb Jones and Brandon Ingram. Temple had 12 points and 9 rebounds in the 99-112 loss to the Kings. Of course, Jonas Valanciunas had another double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Besides Ingram, JV is the best player on the team. Kira Lewis had a great night with 14 points off the bench.

The Warriors are now 6-1 after a 114-92 win over the Hornets. Jordan Poole had 31 points for the Warriors. His career-high was 38 points…against the Pelicans. Draymond Green only had 5 points, but was efficient defensively and also reeled in 10 rebounds. Steph Curry had 15 points and 9 assists. Gary Payton II and Damion Lee combined for 29 points off the bench. This Warriors team has different players that can score, which will be a defensive nightmare for the Pelicans if not executed correctly.

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2021-2022 season

These two teams play 3 times this season. One on Friday which is in San Francisco. The other two are at the Smoothie King Center on January 6th, 2022, and the last game of the regular season on April 10th, 2022.

History

The Warriors are on a 1 game win streak over the Pelicans as they won their most recent game on May 14th, 2021, 122-125. As mentioned earlier, that was the game Poole dropped 38 points and 6 assists. However, Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the Pels with 30 points and 4 assists. Naji Marshall also had a great game with 20 points and 13 rebounds.

Keys to the game

Without Herb Jones, the Pelicans’ defense will be lacking. Perimeter defense is a must when playing against the Warriors because of their shooting.

The Warriors have one of the best defenses in the NBA. New Orleans needs to move the ball well and create open shots for each other. They also need to move without the ball and cut to the basket more. The Pels are more efficient when scoring inside the paint this year.

Play with purpose. The Pelicans have played great all year long, but are underperforming in the 4th quarter. If they can keep up the intensity and not slack off in the 4th then the Pelicans can turn things around.

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