The Golden State Warriors are set to take on the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, March 28, in a crucial regular-season game as they look to snap a two-game losing streak. The Warriors have faced difficulties in the absence of star point guard Stephen Curry, who has missed the last two games due to a pelvic contusion sustained in a March 20 victory against the Toronto Raptors. Without Curry in the lineup, Golden State suffered consecutive defeats to the Atlanta Hawks and Miami Heat, struggling to find their offensive rhythm and maintain consistency on both ends of the floor. However, there is good news for Warriors fans, as head coach Steve Kerr offered an encouraging update on Curry’s condition, stating that the two-time MVP is trending in the right direction and is expected to make his return against New Orleans. “I’d be surprised if he didn’t play,” Kerr remarked, providing hope that the team’s leader will be back in action at Chase Center.
Curry’s impact on the Warriors has been undeniable throughout the season. The 36-year-old guard is averaging 24.2 points per game while shooting 44% from the field and an impressive 39% from three-point range. His presence on the court dramatically alters the team’s offensive capabilities, as Golden State has been significantly more effective when he plays. The Warriors have won eight of their last nine games with Curry in the lineup, while without him, they have posted a less convincing 6-5 record. Rookie guard Brandin Podziemski acknowledged the importance of Curry’s return but also emphasized the need for caution. “I hope he plays tomorrow. We obviously could use him, but we’d rather have him be 100% healthy instead of rushing him back,” Podziemski said, highlighting the team’s long-term focus as they push for a playoff berth.
Currently holding a 41-31 record, the Warriors are in a tight battle for a top-six spot in the Western Conference, which would allow them to bypass the play-in tournament and secure direct qualification to the playoffs. The team had been on a hot streak prior to their recent slump, winning 16 of their last 19 games following the acquisition of Jimmy Butler in early February. Butler’s arrival has transformed the Warriors’ offense, providing them with an additional scoring and playmaking option. Head coach Steve Kerr praised the team’s performance since Butler’s inclusion, stating, “Since we’ve had Jimmy, we’ve been a top-five offensive team. His ability to score, facilitate, and bring defensive toughness has been invaluable.”
On the other side, the New Orleans Pelicans have endured a turbulent season, currently holding a 20-53 record. Injuries have plagued the team, with star forward Zion Williamson missing the last three games due to a back contusion. His status for Friday’s game remains uncertain, leaving head coach Willie Green and the rest of the team uncertain about his availability. Without Williamson, the Pelicans have had to rely on a balanced scoring effort from their supporting cast. In their most recent game, a 112-99 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, New Orleans saw strong contributions from Karlo Matkovic (19 points), Antonio Reeves (17 points), Yves Missi (16 points), Kelly Olynyk (14 points), and Keion Brooks Jr. (10 points). Green commended his players’ effort, stating, “We’re playing fast, moving the ball, and working together. That’s the style of basketball we want to play.”
Despite their struggles this season, the Pelicans will be eager to play spoiler against the Warriors, but history is not on their side. Golden State has dominated the season series against New Orleans, winning all three previous matchups convincingly. The Warriors secured a 124-106 victory on October 29, followed by a commanding 104-89 win on October 30, and a closer 112-108 triumph on November 22. With Curry expected to return, the Warriors will look to extend their winning streak against the Pelicans and strengthen their playoff positioning as the regular season nears its conclusion.
However, Golden State will have to make adjustments in the absence of defensive specialist Gary Payton II, who suffered a torn ligament in his left thumb during Tuesday’s loss to Miami. Payton has been ruled out for Friday’s game, meaning the Warriors will have to compensate for his defensive intensity and perimeter defense against a Pelicans team that thrives on ball movement and three-point shooting. Kerr acknowledged the challenge of losing Payton but remains confident in his team’s ability to step up. “Gary’s absence is tough, but we have a deep roster. We’ll need guys like Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga to take on bigger roles defensively.”
As the Warriors prepare for the final stretch of the season, this matchup against the Pelicans serves as a critical opportunity to regain momentum and reinforce their status as legitimate contenders in the Western Conference. With Curry’s return on the horizon, the Warriors will aim to capitalize on their offensive firepower, relying on Butler, Klay Thompson, and Kuminga to complement Curry’s shooting and playmaking abilities. Meanwhile, the Pelicans, despite their disappointing season, will look to build on their recent win and play with a nothing-to-lose attitude.
The stakes are high for Golden State, as every win matters in the tightly contested playoff race. With the Chase Center crowd behind them and their superstar point guard likely back in action, the Warriors will look to make a statement and get back on the winning track. Friday’s game promises to be an exciting contest, with both teams bringing different motivations to the court—Golden State fighting for playoff security and New Orleans playing for pride and development. Whether Curry’s return sparks another dominant run for the Warriors remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: all eyes will be on this highly anticipated showdown.
