Warriors-Lakers Showdown Loses Some Star Power as Injuries Mount
Saturday’s Warriors-Lakers clash was supposed to be one of the marquee matchups on the NBA calendar - two storied franchises, two of the game’s biggest stars, and a national spotlight. But heading into the weekend, the shine on this one has dimmed a bit.
The Warriors will once again be without Steph Curry, who’s set to miss his third straight game due to a nagging knee issue - specifically runner’s knee. It’s the kind of injury that doesn’t respond to treatment or tape - it just needs time.
And for Golden State, time without Curry hasn’t been kind. The team is 5-8 this season when he’s not in the lineup.
Still, even without their floor general, the Warriors showed some grit on Thursday, taking down the Suns in their first game after the trade deadline. That win was a much-needed spark as they continue to chase consistency in a crowded Western Conference.
Curry, who’s averaging 27.2 points per game - tops on the team - remains a starter for next week’s All-Star Game in Inglewood. But for now, the Warriors will have to keep grinding without his shot-making and leadership on the floor.
Across the court, the Lakers are dealing with their own injury woes. While LeBron James is expected to suit up, Luka Doncic - who’s been playing at an MVP-caliber level - is likely out after tweaking his hamstring in Thursday’s game against the 76ers. It’s a tough blow for a Lakers team that’s leaned heavily on Doncic’s playmaking and scoring punch this season.
Golden State, now sitting at 28-24, will also be welcoming Kristaps Porzingis to the roster - a significant addition with plenty of upside. But fans will have to wait a bit longer to see him in action, as he’s not expected to make his debut on Saturday.
So while the matchup might not feature all the star power we hoped for, there’s still plenty to watch. Can the Warriors keep their momentum rolling without Curry?
How will LeBron shoulder the load without Doncic? And what does the integration of new pieces mean for both teams as they gear up for the stretch run?
It may not be the heavyweight bout we circled on the calendar, but there’s still plenty at stake - and in the Western Conference, every game matters.