Who: New Orleans Pelicans at Golden State Warriors
When: Friday, Dec. 20, 10:30 p.m ET
Where: Chase Center
How to watch: Fox Sports New Orleans
Amidst the 13-game losing streak, the idea of a winning streak was long from the minds of the Pelicans. But after knocking off a reeling Minnesota side on Wednesday, the Pelicans have just that opportunity against the worst team in the league.
No team, not even the Pelicans, have battled with injuries to the degree the Warriors have this season, most notably in the form of Klay Thompson and Steph Curry. In their absences, though, D’Angelo Russell has continued his emergence as a young star in the league, averaging 21.8 points, 6.2 assists and 3.2 rebounds this season. His averages are comparable to those of Brandon Ingram’s, who is averaging 25.3 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists.
While the Warriors have a marginally better defense this season than New Orleans, sporting a defensive rating nine-tenths of a point higher than the Pelicans, Golden State’s offense has been a struggle. The Warriors rank 29th in the league in offensive rating, nearly four points lower than New Orleans in 20th.
The game does also have draft lottery implications. While New Orleans isn’t necessarily focused on the 2020 NBA Draft yet, the Warriors are. As it stands, the Warriors have the worst record in the league by one game over the Hawks. New Orleans is a game back of Atlanta and can move as high as fifth with a win on the night.