OAKLAND – In a complete reversal from previous seasons, New Orleans (0-6) has been better on defense than offense early in 2016-17, highlighted by a No. 10 ranking in defensive efficiency (100.7 points allowed per 100 possessions, according to NBA.com). The Pelicans are also first in blocks per game (7.2, with Anthony Davis averaging 3.2) and ninth in steals per game (9.5, led by Davis’ 2.5).
If New Orleans is to put together an upset bid Monday while facing the defending West champion Warriors on their home floor, the Pelicans will need to play similarly disruptive defense. The Warriors are sixth in the league in offensive efficiency at this early stage, but are off to a poor shooting start, particularly by their lofty standards.