The New Orleans Pelicans will be as shorthanded as ever as they face off against a Golden State Warriors team returning to full strength as Steph Curry returns

The Pels led 28-21 after a first quarter in which the Warriors shot a woeful 1 for 14 on 3-pointers. The Warriors got some offense going in the second quarter, but the Pels still led 53-50 at the break. Curry led the Warriors with 23 points. The Pelicans used their 41st different starting lineup Friday.

Golden State Warriors All-Star guard Stephen Curry sustained a pelvic contusion March 20 and missed two games with the injury. He returned Friday.

Golden State plays New Orleans for a Western Conference matchup Friday. Friday's matchup is the first of the season for the squads.

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The New Orleans Pelicans entered Friday night's game essentially missing their entire starting lineup, but that didn't stop them from competing. New Orleans put