The Golden State Warriors built up some much-needed confidence over their past two games, beating the San Antonio Spurs in back-to-back contests after suffering a blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. While it took two 40-point performances from Steph Curry, the Warriors are up to 8-6 on the year as they move into the second half of their six-game road trip.

They'll begin this second half against the New Orleans Pelicans, one of the most disappointing teams so far this season, who sit at the bottom of the Western Conference with a 2-10 record. Without control of their first-round pick this season, it's a tough scene in New Orleans, and the Warriors will look to capitalize and climb higher up the standings with a ninth win.

In terms of the injuries for the Warriors, two familiar faces remain listed with Jonathan Kuminga (knee) and De'Anthony Melton (ACL) listed as OUT for Golden State. Kuminga will miss his second-straight game for the Warriors, with reports indicating the team is taking a cautious approach with the 23-year-old forward as he deals with the knee injury.

As for Melton, the most recent update from the team says he'll be re-evaluated around mid-November. There's no telling how well he'll look once he returns to the court, but he's averaged double-digit points in each of the last four seasons. With Golden State continuing to test out lineups, Melton could earn some chances as a starter once he's back healthy.

As for the Pelicans, their injury situation is worse, with Jordan Poole (quad) ruled OUT as well as Zion Williamson (hamstring) listed as QUESTIONABLE. Additionally, Dejounte Murray remains OUT as he recovers from his torn Achilles tendon last season.

With Poole, he'll miss the chance to face his former team, who he was a key part of the 2022 Championship squad. It will be his sixth-straight game sidelined for New Orleans, and there's no doubt they could use his scoring. As for Williamson, he could miss his seventh-straight game, as all the preseason hype about his help has appeared to have disappeared.

The Warriors should be able to take care of business on Sunday with their three veterans in Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green, healthy. Outside of the game itself, one storyline to follow will be ex-Warriors center Kevon Looney, who will see his former team for the first time as a member of the Pelicans.

Looney signed a two-year, $16 million deal to join the Pelicans this past offseason after helping the Warriors to three NBA Championships in his time there. A fan-favorite, he'll likely receive a warm welcome from his former teammates on Sunday.

Tip-off in New Orleans is set for 7:00 p.m. EST.