Gameday: Draymond Green vs Anthony Davis, DeMarcus Cousins

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Programming note: Warriors-Pelicans coverage starts tonight at 6:30pm with Warriors Pregame Live on NBC Sports Bay Area.

After blowing a 13-point fourth-quarter lead in the season opener Tuesday night, the Warriors will try to wipe away those memories with a win over the Pelicans on Friday night at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.

The Warriors will have forwards Draymond Green and Andre Iguodala to help their cause in the home opener for the Pelicans.

History will be on the side of the defending champions, who have won 10 of their last 11 games in New Orleans.

BETTING LINE

Warriors by 8.5

MATCHUP TO WATCH

Draymond Green vs. Anthony Davis: Coming off his injury scare, Green surely expects to be tested by Davis and his teammates. Green tends to thrive on even the slightest challenge. If he and his teammates can keep Davis under control (under 25 points, below 50-percent shooting), the Warriors will have won the battle.

INJURY REPORT

Warriors: F Draymond Green (L knee strain) and F Andre Iguodala (back strain) are listed as available. F Omri Casspi (L ankle spain) is listed as out. G Quinn Cook will be activated, while C Damian Jones and F Kevon Looney will be healthy inactives.

Pelicans: C Alexis Ajinca (R knee injury), C Omer Asik (illness), F Soloman Hill (L hamstring tear), G Frank Jackson (R foot fracture) and G Rajon Rondo (L core muscle injury) are listed as out.

SERIES HISTORY

The Warriors have won seven in a row and 17 of the last 18 meetings.

THREE THINGS TO WATCH

THE BIGS: Whereas the trend in the NBA is to go small, a strategy the Warriors often use, the Pelicans play two traditional big men. In addition to Davis, who has 6-foot-10, they also start 6-11 former Kings C DeMarcus Cousins. Though both are listed as forwards (as Cousins prefers) both also spent time in the post. Expect the Warriors to use their small lineups in hopes of speeding up the game. Will it work?

DEPTH FACTOR: While the Warriors are relatively healthy, the New Orleans is coping with the absences of Rondo, Hill and backup centers Ajinca and Asik. Warriors coach Steve Kerr is unafraid to go deep into his bench. If the Warriors are prepared, in terms of conditioning, to set the fast pace they desire they’ll have a chance to wear down the Pelicans late.

ANGER MOTIVE: The Warriors were displeased with themselves after losing the season opener at home. Iguodala notes they tend to respond to poor performances by examining their mistakes and making corrections. They haven’t opened a season with two consecutive losses since 2009 and want no part of a 0-2 start.

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