On top of Steph Curry’s absence, the Golden State Warriors have also ruled Jimmy Butler (left knee injury management), Draymond Green (right midfoot sprain), Al Horford (sciatica management), De’Anthony Melton (left knee injury management), and Seth Curry (right toe soreness) out for Saturday night’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Warriors are starting the first half of a back-to-back today, and will face the Chicago Bulls tomorrow, and are clearly more confident in their ability to win in the Windy City. So Dubs head coach Steve Kerr will be leaning heavily into the back of the team’s rotation.
The depleted rotation will open up plenty of playing time for the remaining healthy players on the Warriors roster. Pat Spencer has been scorching hot recently and made a strong case for an opportunity to start. Meanwhile, this should also be a lower stress opportunity for Golden State’s young former first-round picks (Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, and Brandin Podziemski) who have all seen their roles diminish amidst ugly slumps over the past few weeks.
Given how shorthanded Golden State will be, especially in their backcourt, it’s worth wondering if recently-signed two-way player LJ Cryer will get called up from Santa Cruz and receive the opportunity to make his NBA debut. His shooting could be a huge help for a roster that will be missing both Curry brothers and Melton.
