Game Details
WHO: Golden State Warriors vs. New Orleans Pelicans
WHAT: Round 2 Game 2 — Warriors up 1-0 in series
WHEN: Tuesday, May 1 7:30 p.m PST
WHERE: Oracle Arena , Oakland, CA
WATCH: TNT
LISTEN: 95.7 The Game
Blog Buddy: The Bird Writes
Injury Report
Injury update for tomorrow night's Game 2: Stephen Curry (left MCL sprain) is probable. Patrick McCaw (lumbar spine contusion) is out.
— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) April 30, 2018
Steph’s Back
The Warriors officially upgraded Stephen Curry’s status to probable Monday afternoon, clearing him to return to action after rehabbing a grade 2 MCL sprain for five weeks. It is unclear whether or not the two time MVP will start. But what we do know is there are no minute restrictions and that he’s had big games after returning from injury.
After missing most of December, Curry returned and torched the Memphis Grizzlies for 38 points. Before injuring his Knee on March 23, Curry scored 29 points in 25 minutes of action.
While its tempting to assume that Curry will have another big game, it may be best to temper expectations a bit because of the severity of the injury he sustained. Also, Curry only played 25 minutes of basketball since March 9th. Not saying that Curry won’t go HAM tonight. The possibility is there. However, don’t be surprised if he struggles to find his rhythm early.
Pelicans Will Continue Fast Pace.
In Game 1, the Pelicans came out the gate playing a fast pace, and for a while it was working. That was until the Warriors broke the game open with a 24-2 run. Surprisingly, Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry will not slow his team’s pace. According to NBA advanced stats, Game 1 was played at a pace of 105.96 possessions per 48 minutes. Despite the Pelicans’ effort to play fast again it wasn’t sustainable as the game continued. So Gentry’s decision to continue the strategy makes me wonder if his refusal to change the pace is an effort to avoid panic or just presuming that slowing the tempo down may not work. Regardless, the Warriors must continue lock in on defense and pay attention to detail because the Pelicans are disciplined enough to make the Warriors pay if they aren't locked in and focused on every possession as they were in round one.
Prediction:
I expect the Pelicans to come with that same energy that they had at the beginning of Game 1. I also expect the Warriors to be ready for it and also expect them to ride the emotional wave of having #30 in the line up once again. Speaking of Curry, I expect him to be chomping at the bit and excited to get out there. He may force himself to find a rhythm early on but I expect him to find it none the less.
Warriors 125-Pelicans 115