OAKLAND – The Warriors begin a stretch of three games in four days Monday night, when the New Orleans Pelicans visit Oracle Arena.
For the Warriors (4-2), it’s a relatively easy chance to get back on track after a brutal loss to the Lakers on Friday night in Los Angeles.
For the Pelicans, well, it’s a seventh attempt to win a game. New Orleans (0-6) is one of two teams, along with the Philadelphia 76ers, yet to post a victory this season.
Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry, a former Warriors assistant, and general manager Dell Demps, a Bay Area native (Mt. Eden High in Hayward), would be on the hot seat if not for the fact that injuries over the past two years have consistently derailed attempts at progress.
BETTING LINE
Warriors by 17
Sports
MATCHUP TO WATCH
Draymond Green and Co. vs. Anthony Davis: Davis is one of the 10 best players in the NBA, clear and away the most dangerous player on the Pelicans. If he goes off, New Orleans can make it a game. Though Green is a tremendous defender, he will get help. Davis is one of the few players to see frequent double-teams from the Warriors.
INJURY REPORT
Warriors: G Pat McCaw (L ankle sprain) is listed as questionable. C Damian Jones (R pectoral surgery recovery) is listed as out.
Pelicans: G Tyreke Evans (R knee recovery), G Jrue Holiday (family leave) and F Quincy Pondexter (L knee recovery) are listed as out.
SERIES HISTORY
The Warriors have won 14 of the last 15 meetings, including a 3-0 sweep last season.
THREE THINGS TO WATCH
1) Klay Thompson -- The All-Star shooting guard is mired in an awful shooting slump, which seems to be affecting his defense. That’s unusual and suggests a lack of focus. No starter needs a “remember me” game more than Thompson. Will he deliver?
2) Playing rotations -- Coach Steve Kerr continues to tinker, but forward Kevon Looney is pushing for more playing time. With Looney playing well, making an impact inside, who might lose minutes?
3) Defense -- After consecutive games in which they played solid defense, the Warriors were repeatedly scorched by the Lakers and will seek to bounce back. At home against a struggling team, they couldn’t dream of a better opportunity.
