Depending on how you look at it, the Golden State Warriors’ offseason has either been really short or really long.
Short in the sense that it wrapped up in mid-June with the Warriors clinching the title in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, yet long because the subtle jabs and criticisms have not stopped flying all offseason about how “lucky” the Warriors were.
And so, here is where all the talk stops. It’s time for the Warriors — and their loud detractors — to walk the walk.
It begins with New Orleans Pelicans at Oracle Arena on Tuesday night. The Warriors may have swept the Pelicans convincingly in the first round of the playoffs, but this is an up-and-coming Pelicans team that has had another year to grow and nurture.
By “Pelicans,” I really mean Anthony Davis, who is a freak of nature and showed it during the playoff series. He averaged 31.5 points, 11 rebounds and 3 blocks in the first round, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if those were his stats Tuesday night as well.
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Additionally, the Pelicans stole away Alvin Gentry from the Warriors, naming him their new head coach. Darren Erman, the Warriors’ former assistant coach, is now on the Pelicans’ bench. It will certainly be interesting how the ex-Warriors’ coaches approach this game, and how they use their knowledge of their former team to their advantage.
With Omer Asik out with an injury, Kendrick Perkins will get the start at center for the Pelicans. New Orleans is injury-riddled, with key players Tyreke Evans, Quincy Pondexter and Norris Cole also out.
The Warriors’ lineup looks to be the same as last season’s home opener, as they look to keep the good times rolling from the summer. Luke Walton will be behind the bench as interim head coach while Steve Kerr continues to rehab from offseason back surgery. Interestingly enough, all of Walton’s wins and losses will be charged to Kerr’s career record.
Tale of the Tape (stats from last season)
Warriors
- Points per game: 110.0 (1st)
- Field-goal percentage: 47.8% (1st)
- Three-point percentage: 39.8% (1st)
- Defensive field-goal percentage: 42.8% (1st)
- Rebounds per game: 44.7 (6th)
- Turnovers: 14.1 (21st)
Pelicans:
- Points per game: 99.4 (16th)
- Field-goal percentage: 45.7% (10th)
- Three-point percentage: 37.0% (4th)
- Defensive field-goal percentage: 45.6% (23rd)
- Rebounds per game: 43.5 (16th)
- Turnovers: 12.6 (T-5th)
Injury Report
GSW: Andrew Bogut (broken nose) is probable. Kevon Looney (right hip surgery) is out.
NOP: Quincy Pondexter (left knee surgery), Omer Asik (right calf strain), Tyreke Evans (right knee surgery) and Norris Cole (left ankle sprain) are out.
Probable Starters (averages from last season)
GOLDEN STATE (0-0)
- F Harrison Barnes (10.1 PPG)
- F Draymond Green (11.7 PPG)
- C Andrew Bogut (6.3 PPG)
- G Klay Thompson (21.7 PPG)
- G Stephen Curry (23.8 PPG)
NEW ORLEANS (0-0)
- F Anthony Davis (24.4 PPG)
- F Dante Cunningham (5.2 PPG)
- C Kendrick Perkins (3.6 PPG)
- G Jrue Holiday (14.8 PPG)
- G Eric Gordon (13.4 PPG)
Game Info
Tip-off: 7:30 PM PST
Location: Oracle Arena, Oakland, CA
TV: TNT