The Golden State Warriors kicked off their second-round playoff series against the New Orleans Pelicans with a dominant 123-101 victory and are looking irresistible once again.The defending champions made light work of a Pelicans team that impressively swept the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round and were on fire from the jump.This was once again without superstar Stephen Curry in the lineup and shows just how strong they are even when he's absent.Curry was questionable to play in game one on Saturday night but the Dubs decided to hold him out and not rush him back too quickly.With his return imminent, the Warriors will take their game to another level which will be a scary thought for the rest of the Western Conference.Before the clash with New Orleans, head coach Steve Kerr confirmed that his point guard would not play in game one but said it's "very likely" that he would be back on the floor in game two.

But Kerr is looking to take a cautious approach with the three-point sharpshooter and admits he could place him on a minutes restriction and possibly have him come off the bench.

The last time the two-time MVP started a game on the bench was in the 2011-12 season and has only been a reserve six times in his entire career.

The 30-year-old insisted he "felt great" and was "ready to go" last night but Kerr took the decision to give him a few more days.

"Just made the decision based on giving him the extra few days and the fact he only scrimmaged yesterday," Kerr said, per ESPN. "You've been out five weeks and we're playing in the playoffs, I don't think one scrimmage is enough, even though he feels great, he wants to play and pleaded his case. "

Kerr knows the importance of having his most important player as healthy as possible going into the conference finals and possibly the finals.

A blockbuster showdown with the Houston Rockets is on the cards and the Oakland-based outfit will need Curry as close to 100 percent as possible against the number one seed.

If this mouthwatering series does take place, it'll be their toughest test in the west since Kerr took over in 2014.

Therefore, taking precautionary measures with Steph is a sensible decision with the bigger picture in mind.

But fans in the Bay Area will be delighted to know that he'll be making his eagerly anticipated comeback on Tuesday night.

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