The Golden State Warriors are navigating a tricky stretch, with injuries stacking up like a game of Jenga. Veterans Al Horford and Seth Curry are the latest to join the list, both sidelined after Friday’s clash with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Horford's dealing with a mild left calf strain, while Curry is nursing a mild left adductor strain. The team plans to reassess their conditions in a week.
Sunday’s game against the New York Knicks saw the Warriors field just 10 active players, a testament to their current injury woes. However, there’s a silver lining on the horizon as Draymond Green is expected to return for Monday’s matchup against the Washington Wizards.
He’s been out with lower back soreness, but his return could provide a much-needed boost. Kristaps Porziņģis and De’Anthony Melton are also slated to rejoin the lineup against the Wizards, having missed Sunday’s game.
Meanwhile, Moses Moody is still sidelined with a wrist sprain, and Jimmy Butler remains out since mid-January with a torn ACL in his right knee. These absences have forced the Warriors to constantly shuffle their lineup, leading to an astonishing 34 different starting combinations in just 67 games.
Despite the challenges, Stephen Curry is traveling with the team on their East Coast swing, bringing a sense of optimism. Coach Steve Kerr highlighted Curry’s positive impact, noting that his presence lifts team morale. Although Curry is limited to individual rehab work, his progress is encouraging.
Kerr, ever the optimist, kept the mood light before Sunday’s game, joking about giving Warriors VP of Communications Raymond Ridder a shot at point guard. “What he lacks in size, he makes up for with a lack of foot speed,” Kerr quipped, underscoring the team’s resilience and humor in the face of adversity.
In Sunday’s game, Kerr started a fresh lineup featuring Brandin Podziemski, Quinten Post, Will Richard, Gui Santos, and Malevy Leons, marking Leons’ first career start in the NBA. This constant adaptation is a testament to the Warriors' depth and determination as they navigate a challenging season.