Warriors Set to Face Heat Without Key Contributors in First Leg of Back-to-Back
The Golden State Warriors are rolling. Winners of 11 of their last 15 games, they’re finally finding their rhythm midway through the season.
Their latest outing - a 136-116 dismantling of the Charlotte Hornets - was a reminder of how explosive this team can be when everything clicks. But as the Warriors head into the final stretch of their eight-game homestand, they’re about to hit a bit of turbulence.
Golden State is gearing up for a tough back-to-back, starting with the Miami Heat and followed by the Toronto Raptors. And they'll be doing it short-handed.
Melton Sits as Part of Recovery Plan
De’Anthony Melton will miss the matchup against Miami, marking the first time he’s been sidelined in the last eight games. This isn’t a setback so much as a precaution.
Melton, who’s working his way back from an ACL injury, hasn’t played both ends of a back-to-back since returning. The Warriors have been smart with his minutes, easing him into the grind of the season - and it’s paid off.
Even in limited minutes, Melton has brought energy and perimeter defense off the bench, helping stabilize Golden State’s second unit. His absence will be felt, especially against a Miami team that thrives on physicality and half-court execution.
Gui Santos Still Out with Ankle Sprain
Gui Santos will also be unavailable, missing his second straight game due to a left ankle sprain he suffered early in Thursday’s win over the Knicks. The injury isn’t considered serious, but the team is taking a cautious approach. Santos had been carving out a role with his hustle plays and versatility, and while he’s not a headliner, his minutes have mattered - especially with the bench unit finding its identity.
Draymond Green Listed as Questionable
There’s also a bit of uncertainty around Draymond Green. He’s listed as questionable with a right ankle sprain, though he didn’t show any visible signs of discomfort in the win over Charlotte.
Green has been the emotional and defensive anchor since returning from suspension, and even if he’s not 100%, his presence alone changes the tone of the game. If he’s able to go, expect him to suit up - especially with the Warriors thin at the forward spot.
Jimmy Butler Set to Face His Former Team
One name that isn’t on the injury report? Jimmy Butler.
After being a late scratch against the Hornets due to personal reasons, Butler is expected to play - and that’s significant. This will be just his second game against the Heat since being traded to Golden State last year, and you can bet there’ll be no shortage of motivation on both sides.
Butler’s leadership and two-way impact have been a major part of the Warriors’ recent surge, and his availability gives Golden State a much-needed boost heading into a tough matchup.
Heat Still Without Tyler Herro
On the other side, Miami’s injury report is longer, but not as daunting as it looks. Several players - including Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jovic, Pelle Larsson, and Davion Mitchell - have been upgraded to probable or available. That’s good news for a Heat team that’s been navigating injuries all season.
Still, they’ll be without one of their most dynamic offensive weapons. Tyler Herro is set to miss his second straight game after an MRI revealed rib issues.
It’s been a frustrating season for Herro, who’s only suited up for 11 games so far. This will mark his 31st missed game - a staggering number for a player who was expected to be a key scorer.
Oddly enough, the Heat have fared better without him. They’re 18-13 when Herro sits, compared to just 4-7 when he plays.
That’s not necessarily an indictment of Herro’s value, but more a testament to how well Miami has adapted. Led by Bam Adebayo, offseason addition Norman Powell, and former Warrior Andrew Wiggins, this Heat squad still has plenty of firepower - and they’ve already beaten Golden State once this season, back in November.
What’s at Stake
This isn’t just another game on the schedule. For the Warriors, it’s a chance to prove their recent hot streak is more than just a soft stretch of the calendar.
For the Heat, it’s an opportunity to notch another quality road win without one of their top scorers. Both teams are navigating injuries, but both are deep, battle-tested, and well-coached.
It’s the kind of midseason matchup that doesn’t just test rotations - it tests resolve. And with both teams eyeing playoff positioning, every game counts just a little bit more.