The Golden State Warriors are limping into Monday night’s matchup with a lengthy injury report-and it’s not just a few role players sitting this one out. This is a full-blown reshuffle of the rotation, headlined by some of the franchise’s biggest names.
Let’s start with the obvious: Stephen Curry won’t suit up. The two-time MVP is sidelined with right patellofemoral inflammation, more commonly referred to as "runner’s knee."
It’s the kind of injury that can nag if not handled properly, and with the Warriors playing the second night of a back-to-back, it makes sense to give Curry a breather. Golden State knows that any shot at making noise later this season depends on keeping their superstar as close to 100% as possible.
Draymond Green is also out, dealing with left low back soreness. This isn’t exactly new territory-Green has often sat when Curry does, especially on back-to-backs.
At this stage in his career, managing his minutes and health is just as important as anything he does on the floor. But make no mistake: when Draymond’s not out there, the Warriors’ defensive identity takes a major hit.
And while he’s not a Warrior, Jimmy Butler’s absence is worth noting. Butler, who tore his right ACL earlier this month, is out for the season. His absence continues to cast a long shadow over the league-any team that had him on the schedule is now facing a very different Miami Heat squad.
But the injury list doesn’t stop there for Golden State. Seth Curry is out with left sciatic nerve irritation, Al Horford is sitting due to left toe injury management, Jonathan Kuminga is nursing a left knee bone bruise, and De’Anthony Melton is also sidelined with left knee injury management.
That’s a lot of firepower missing from the floor.
With so many key players unavailable, the Warriors are going to have to get creative with their rotation. Expect to see deeper bench players getting extended minutes, and don’t be surprised if the offensive flow looks a little disjointed. Golden State’s system is built around movement, spacing, and high-IQ reads-things that become tougher to execute without the usual core.
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves walk into this matchup with a clear advantage. Depth, continuity, and health are all on their side tonight. Against a Warriors team missing multiple starters and key reserves, this is a game Minnesota will be expected to control from the jump.
For Golden State, this isn’t about tonight-it’s about the long game. Getting their stars healthy and preserving legs for the stretch run is the priority. But in the short term, it’s going to be an uphill climb.