Warriors vs. Pelicans (7:30 p.m. ET, NBA TV)
We Meet Again
Stephen Curry. Anthony Davis. What more could you want? The undefeated Warriors slugged the Pelicans on Opening Night in Oakland after Curry sparked Golden State with a mesmerizing 24-point first quarter that put them in front for good. Will we see another impressive performance from Curry, Klay Thompson and the Warriors’ must-see offense tonight against the short-handed Pelicans? Golden State has won eight of their last nine matchups with New Orleans.
Banged-Up Backcourt
Injuries have decimated the Pelicans at the guard spot. Tyreke Evans and Norris Cole missed both games to start the season and Jrue Holiday returned on Wednesday but only in limited minutes. The Pelicans’ opening night starter at point guard, Nate Robinson, was released on Thursday, leaving Holiday, Ish Smith and recently signed Toney Douglas as the lone options at point guard. Smith, Douglas and Eric Gordon must step up for New Orleans to have a chance. Maybe being at home, where the Pelicans were 28-13 last season, will help.
Curry Cookin’
The MVP is picking up right where the 2014-15 season left off. After his 40-point performance on Opening Night, Curry dropped 25 on the Rockets to help the Warriors win the 2015 Western Conference finals rematch, 112-92. Curry is 9-for-21 from 3-point land to start the season and it seems likely he adds to that total tonight on NBA TV.
‘The Brow’
There’s always a reason to tune in when Anthony Davis is on the floor. The fourth-year forward has been slow out of the gates, averaging 21.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.5 blocks over the Pelicans first two games. He only scored 18 points on 4-for-20 shooting in the opener (Davis scored under 18 points in just 13 games last season) and should be motivated for a huge game in the Pelicans’ home opener on Saturday night.
Kings vs. Clippers (10:30 p.m. ET, NBA TV)
We Meet Again, Too
The Kings travel down California to L.A. after falling to the Clippers 111-104 at home on Wednesday. After the game, DeMarcus Cousins let it be known how he feels about the Clippers saying, “I hate ’em. Honestly, I do. I hate ’em.” This quote is sure to encourage the Clippers and Cousins, who is 3-15 in his career against L.A. (his most losses to any team). Cousins’ last win against the Clippers came on November 2, 2014, when he dominated for 34 points (15-23 FG), 17 rebounds, five assists and three blocks. Can he replicate that performance tonight?
Cousins From Three?
In the loss on Wednesday, Cousins added a new tool to his arsenal with four 3-pointers on five attempts. These four 3s are already double his amount from all of last season and it looks like the deep ball could become an effective weapon for Cousins down the line. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves … he went 0-for-2 from 3-point on Friday against the Lakers.
Lob City
Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan and Chris Paul always present a reason to watch for their high-flying offense. Paul is fifth in the league in assists through two games (8.0 per game), Griffin ranks fourth in points (29.5) and Jordan is second in rebounds (13.5) and blocks (4.0). Stats don’t mean too much this early in the season. But you don’t need stats to know that the Clippers are must-see TV.
Return Of Rondo?
After a disappointing 46-game tenure in Dallas, Rondo looks much more comfortable with the Kings in his first two games. Last night, Rondo led Sacramento with 21 points (9-13 FG, 1-2 3P) and eight assists in just 23 minutes at point guard. He was attacking the basket and, according to teammate Omri Casspi, looked like “the Rondo of old.” Will the four-time All-Star be able to build off of this impressive performance against Paul and the Clippers tonight on NBA TV? Tune in to find out!
— NBA.com staff reports
