:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65717497/usa_today_13620257.0.jpg)
This should be doable.
The Golden State Warriors have little to nothing left to trot out on the court against the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night. True, the Pelicans have experienced a plethora of injuries themselves, but the list of maladies experienced by the Warriors is beyond debilitating.
Pelicans injury updates - 11/16 at MIA:
— Pelicans PR (@PelicansPR) November 16, 2019
Lonzo Ball (Right Adductor Strain), Jahlil Okafor (Left Ankle Sprain) and JJ Redick (Left Great Toe Sprain) have been downgraded to OUT.
Brandon Ingram (Right Knee Soreness) has been downgraded to QUESTIONABLE.
Injuries:
The Pels have been forced to reassign two-way players Josh Gray and Zylan Cheatham to the parent company due to injuries suffered to some of their key players.
Questionable (not official): Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, JJ Redick, Lonzo Ball, Jahlil Okafor, Frank Jackson, Derrick Favors
Out: Zion Williamson, Darius Miller
Yeah, okay, it’s bad. The Pelicans have experienced a rash of injuries that almost defy comprehension this early in the season, but check out what the Warriors have been dealing with:
Golden State is now down to 9 healthy players- 8 is the league requirement.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) November 16, 2019
K. Bowman
G. Robinson III
D. Green
J. Poole
A. Burks
O. Spellman
M. Chriss
E. Paschall
W. Cauley-Stein
Out: D’Angelo Russell, Damion Lee, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevon Looney, Jacob Evans, Alen Smailagic
Likely starting five: Ky Bowman - Glenn Robinson Jr - Draymond Green - Eric Paschall - Willie Cauley-Stein
The Matchup
While burdened with inconveniences, the Warriors still boast a few quality veterans that could give the Pelicans problems including three time All-Star, five-time All Defensive player and former Defensive Player of the Year, Draymond Green. Green has long been a thorn in the side of the Pelicans.
41st overall pick Eric Paschall is the most dangerous player left remaining on this roster and will present Kenrich Williams a great challenge in the post. Paschall has already eclipsed the 20-point threshold four times in his brief career including a 34-point breakout performance against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Alec Burks is another quality veteran who will serve as sixth man and look to challenge the Pelicans’ perimeter defense.
Pelicans’ fans should be familiar with starting center, Willie Cauley-Stein and his aggressive length and shot-blocking capablities. The frontcourt of he, Green and Paschall will prove large but very slow as evidence by the Warriors’ decreased pace (14th).
Expect a scoring explosion from the Pelicans against the league’s worst defense. And the Warriors will score almost as frequently, still carrying the league’s 17th offense in points per game. They’re number one in converting at the free throw line as well as fourth in committing the fewest penalties themselves. That could be one avenue where they make the Pelicans pay.
There’s no point into going deep into specifics as the Warriors really don’t do very much well. The Pelicans need this victory. It is one you feel they should still get on their schedule despite also dealing with an army of injured and should give them the reprieve they desperately need following their disappointing start to season.
Before you get set for the Pelicans winnable matchup with the Warriors, make sure you read Oleh’s latest on Derrick Favors or catch up on last night’s loss to the Miami Heat.
Let’s geaux, Pels!
Where To Watch/Listen
What: New Orleans Pelicans (3-9) vs Golden State Warriors (2-11)
Where: Smoothie King Center
When: Sunday, November 17, 2019 6:00 PM CDT.
How: FSNO