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Having lost two straight games to Western Conference playoff-contending foes, the road doesn’t get any easier for the New Orleans Pelicans (4-2). Looming prominently large, the Golden State Warriors (5-1) on Tuesday evening inside Oracle Arena.
Don’t be fooled by the one loss or the fact that Steve Kerr’s group should have lost to the Utah Jazz and were involved in a two-point game super late in Brooklyn against the Nets. These Warriors know April is still eons away. They’re conserving energy and avoiding burnout. And there’s nothing better for overworked souls than having a little fun along the way while racking up the requisite number of victories to be in prime position for another deep postseason run.
Say, did you hear about the slaughter committed a few days ago in Chicago?
Golden State's 92 first-half points are the second most ever in a first half. Phoenix scored 107 points in the first half vs. Denver on Nov. 10, 1990.
— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) October 30, 2018
Or what about how one of the Splash Brothers was struggling coming into the matchup against the Bulls and then decided to explode supernova style?
1️⃣4️⃣
— NBA TV (@NBATV) October 30, 2018
Saying Klay Thompson had the hot hand tonight would be an understatement.#DubNation pic.twitter.com/nzoJTAnhVO
Oh, and before Klay Thompson set a new NBA record for three-pointers in a game, realize Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant have already lived in the spotlight during these first few weeks of the 2018-19 season.
Steph Curry had 51 points last Wed., Kevin Durant scored 41 on Friday and Klay Thompson had 52 tonight.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 30, 2018
Warriors are 50th team in NBA history to have 3 different 40-point scorers in a season.
They did it quicker than any of them (tonight was their 8th game)
via @EliasSports pic.twitter.com/ZQlu0OyJVh
It’s just not fair, man. But then again, we are bearing witness to a dynasty at the height of their prominence. Just sit back, relax and appreciate the greatness — but if you’re the New Orleans Pelicans, hope for an Anthony Davis return, among numerous other things.
According to the latest injury update, Davis is listed as questionable, but he has missed the last two games due to a right elbow sprain. His status will be determined during shoot around. Unfortunately, Elfrid Payton has already been ruled out and Darius Miller is doubtful.
For the Pelicans to have any chance for the upset, logic dictates Davis has to be in uniform at a minimum. New Orleans managed to beat Golden State on their floor last April, but realize it took a combined 87 points from Jrue Holiday, Nikola Mirotic and Davis, a perfect 7-7 shooting night from E’Twaun Moore and Rajon Rondo dishing 17 assists for the Pelicans to emerge victorious from a rather close 126-120 contest over a Steph-less championship squad.
So, the keys for the game are rather simple: get AD back in uniform, post one of the hottest shooting nights of the season and pray a Golden State preeminent starter doesn’t breathe fire again. Plus, maybe DeMarcus Cousins can do his old squad a solid by picking up a technical foul or two from the bench. Haha, cold I know, but this is war!
Geaux Pels!
What: New Orleans Pelicans at Golden State Warriors
Where: Oracle Arena
When: Wednesday, October 31, 2018, 9:30 p.m. Central
How: Fox Sports New Orleans, NSBA, 99.5 FM WRNO