The Golden State Warriors are heading into a marquee Saturday night showdown in Los Angeles with a little momentum-and a big absence.
They’re coming off a win and looking to stack another against a Lakers squad that’s also deep in the Western Conference playoff hunt. Golden State enters the matchup at 28-24, currently sitting eighth in the standings.
The Lakers, at 31-19, hold the fifth seed. So yes, this one matters.
But the Warriors will have to take the floor without the guy who makes everything go.
Steph Curry ruled out with “runner’s knee”
Golden State will be without Stephen Curry, who’s sidelined with right patellofemoral pain syndrome-more commonly known as “runner’s knee.” It’s Curry’s third straight missed game as the team plays it safe with their franchise cornerstone. The Warriors are taking a day-to-day approach, not rushing him back until he’s fully comfortable.
And that’s understandable. Curry’s been his usual electric self this season, averaging 27.2 points, 4.8 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.1 steals across 39 games.
His absence leaves a massive hole-not just in the box score, but in the way the Warriors space the floor and generate offense. Without his gravity, Golden State has to get creative.
Injuries on both sides
The Warriors aren’t the only team dealing with key injuries. The Lakers will also be without star guard Luka Doncic, who’s out with a left hamstring strain.
His absence changes the dynamic for L.A., especially when it comes to offensive initiation and crunch-time shot-making. Meanwhile, Golden State is also down Jimmy Butler, who’s done for the season with a torn ACL.
So both teams will be missing firepower, and that levels the playing field a bit. It’ll come down to which supporting cast steps up, who controls the tempo, and which team can execute in the half court without their primary playmaker.
Round two of the season series
This is the second meeting between the Warriors and Lakers this season. Golden State took the first matchup back in October, winning 119-109. The two teams will see each other twice more before the regular season wraps-once later this month and again in April-so this game could have serious implications for head-to-head tiebreakers down the line.
With playoff positioning on the line and both teams missing stars, expect a gritty, high-stakes battle. The spotlight’s on L.A., but the pressure is on both squads to prove they can win even when they’re not at full strength.