Warriors to be without most of starting lineup vs. Pelicans

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) and guard Klay Thompson (11) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Warriors to be without four-fifths of starting lineup Friday against Pelicans

By Eric Smithling | Last updated 11/4/22

Steve Kerr is playing the long game as the Golden State Warriors announced Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins are all out for Friday night's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Kevon Looney will be the only starter to see action in the game. Sixth man Jordan Poole will also be available.

The Warriors are resting Steph Curry, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins tonight in New Orleans. Fifth game of a five-game road trip. Second night of back-to-back. In danger of going 0-5.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) November 4, 2022

The Warriors are in the midst of a four-game losing streak, and with them choosing to rest the majority of their starters, they will face an uphill climb at ending that streak.

New Orleans (4-3, seventh in Western Conference) could potentially get forwards Brandon Ingram and Herb Jones back for Friday's game, which would put the team at full strength against a shorthanded Warriors squad. The Pelicans field one of the deepest rosters, even if Ingram and/or Jones miss the game.

Golden State (3-6, 12th in Western Conference) is taking a long-view approach when it comes to the season. Kerr is betting the core that won a championship a year ago will find its footing and needs time to recharge on the second night of a back-to-back.

The Warriors' young players — James Wiseman in particular — could use the extra work as the team works through early-season struggles.

James Wiseman has played 48 games in his career.

He’s had a 0 or negative +/- in 36 of those games. pic.twitter.com/JF8cIvcgdI
— StatMuse (@statmuse) November 4, 2022

Still, the Pelicans can't get too ahead of themselves. Earlier this season, a shorthanded Pelicans team without Ingram, Jones and Zion Williamson was able to pull off a gritty win against the Dallas Mavericks. Anything is possible in a 48-minute game.

The Pelicans' odds of winning tonight's game greatly increased with the news, but they may need to pack a swimsuit just in case.

It's possible the night turns into a "Poole" party.

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