The Golden State Warriors knew that the preseason would be a crap shoot after finalizing its preseason roster a few days before opening training camp. The Warriors haven’t had a full complement yet and will be missing six players for tonight’s rematch against the Los Angeles Lakers, with Stephen Curry and Moses Moody added to the inactive list.
Nick Friedell of The Athletic reported yesterday that Curry and Moody will miss the game. Friedell reported that Steve Kerr told him that Curry is a little banged up, but the Warriors aren’t worried. Meanwhile, Moody is dealing with a calf issue and will get a precautionary MRI.
The duo will join Jimmy Butler (personal), Al Horford(rest), De’Anthony Melton, and Seth Curry on the sidelines against the Lakers. Melton has been on since the first of the month due to a knee injury, while Seth Curry is still in the conditioning stage after signing with the team less than two weeks ago.
Steve Kerr Talks Warriors Starting Lineup and Injuries, When Will The Dubs Players Return
Golden State is 2-0 entering today’s game against the Lakers in Los Angeles. The Warriors have not played since Wednesday, when they defeated Portland 129-123 behind 20 points from Quenton Post. The Warriors opened up preseason play with a 111-103 victory over the Lakers last Sunday.
Tonight will be the first time this postseason that some of the Warriors will miss time. Seventeen players on the Warriors training camp roster have played in each of the first two games. Marques Bolden, on an Exhibit 10 deal, has appeared in only one exhibition game, while Seth Curry, Melton, and Alex Toohey have not seen any action.
Moody has led the way for the Dubs, averaging 14.5 points while shooting 52.8% from the field and connecting on 7 of 13 threes (58.3%). Moody, who has improved every season, is coming off a career year and should see a larger role this year.
The continued development of Post is encouraging. Post, on the heels of his 20-point outing against the Trail Blazers, is second on the team in scoring at 13.5 points on 47.5% shooting and 2.5 triples. He is likely the Warriors’ backup center this year, though, with Draymond Green, Jonathan Kuminga, and Horford ahead of him on the big man depth chart.
Curry, Buddy Hield, and Butler are in good form despite seeing sparse action, averaging double-figures. Pat Spencer and LJ Cryer have been surprises. Meanwhile, Kuminga and Horford have struggled shooting the ball in training camp, which should not be a surprise, as both players were among the late additions.
When Will The Warriors Get the Players Back?
With the Warriors shorthanded, Friedell said Kerr will start Post, Green, Kuminga, Hield, and Brandin Podziemski. Green is the only player who has started the first two contests. Podziemski opened with the first unit against the Lakers, then came off the bench against the Blazers while Moody started.
Speaking of the Warriors’ first unit, Kerr is intrigued by the one he used versus Portland. Curry, Moody, Butler, Horford, and Green started the second contest.
“That could be a really powerful combo,” Kerr said. “I didn’t have a great sense of it after the game because I was thinking so much of our turnovers and our lack of focus at times during the first half. But looking at the tape, it was a lot better than I expected for those first seven minutes or so.”
After the game against LA, Golden State heads to Portland for a Tuesday night affair. Steph Curry is slated to be back against the Blazers, though Moody’s availability is unknown. Horford and Butler are also slated to return on Tuesday. Seth Curry may also play this week, but whether he does or not, he is slated to be ready on opening night.
Melton is expected to be re-evaluated at the end of the month. If he is cleared, then the 27-year-old guard will likely need at least a couple of weeks to ramp up. So, he likely won’t be available until mid-November.
Toohey signed a two-way deal on September 29. The 21-year-old Australian was selected with the No. 52 pick this past June. He is slated to spend the year in the G-League with Santa Cruz.
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