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Warriors, Pelicans enter series with different expectations

OAKLAND, Calif. — Golden State secured the No. 1 overall seed two weeks ago and has been at the top of the NBA standings all season. New Orleans needed an all-out effort through its last game against San Antonio to claim the Western Conference's final playoff spot.

Expectations for both teams now are just as stark.

The Warriors are hoping the Pelicans are a prelude to their championship march. New Orleans has a nothing-to-lose-and-everything-to-gain mentality in the franchise's first postseason appearance since 2011.

The best-of-seven series starts Saturday at amped-up Oracle Arena, and the only differences that matter will be settled on the court in front of a gold-shirt wearing sellout crowd and a national television audience.