New Orleans @ Golden State preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 28, 2018 ) New Orleans 101, Golden State 123

It appears Golden State star guard Stephen Curry will be back in action on Tuesday when the Warriors host the New Orleans Pelicans in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals. Curry hasn't played since spraining the MCL in his left knee on March 23 but coach Steve Kerr classified him as probable after Monday's practice.

Curry participated in a lengthy scrimmage on Sunday and had no issues during Monday's practice, which prompted Kerr to say, "I'd be very surprised if he didn't play." Curry wasn't made available to reporters after the session but did outline his thoughts about his return in an interview with The Undefeated. "If I do get the green light, just play my game," Curry said. "Do what I do on both ends of the court to help the team. There is nothing special about it. Just try to use my energy as a spark." New Orleans will be looking for some ignition of its own as it was walloped 123-101 in the series opener despite the absence of Curry.

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, TNT

ABOUT THE PELICANS: New Orleans posted a four-game sweep of the Portland Trail Blazers in its first postseason series but never found a groove or clicked on all cylinders during the Game 1 loss to the Warriors. "It's one game," Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry told reporters. "At the end of the day, it's one game, and you know, we've been playing great basketball, and I'm not so sure if the week off helped us, really. I thought we lost a little bit of our rhythm." Star power forward Anthony Davis had 21 points and 10 rebounds in Game 1 but was just 9-of-20 shooting while guard Jrue Holiday had only 11 points on 4-of-14 shooting.

ABOUT THE WARRIORS: Kerr said there wouldn't be a minutes restriction placed on Curry and standout forward Kevin Durant is expecting Curry to play at his typical "elite" level. "When somebody is as consistent as he is, no matter if you miss time, between games when he was hurt he was putting in major work," Durant told reporters after Monday's practice. "When great players leave like this with an injury and come back, I expect him to be who he is." Shooting guard Klay Thompson scored 27 points in the opener and Durant added 26 as Golden State didn't lack for firepower with Curry seated on the bench in street clothes.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Warriors have won a franchise-record 13 straight home postseason games.

2. The Pelicans have won just one of their past 12 regular-season or postseason games in Oakland and that victory occurred on April 7.

3. Golden State PF Draymond Green had 16 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists in the opener for his fourth playoff triple-double, snapping a tie with Hall of Famer Tom Gola for the franchise record.

PREDICTION: Warriors 125, Pelicans 110