The season couldn’t have opened up any better than it did on Wednesday for the Warriors, as they defeated the Trail Blazers, 139-104. More importantly, no one played more than 25 minutes.
Stephen Curry played 25 minutes and finished the night with 17 points, nine rebounds, 10 assists, two steals and three treys. On Thursday, the team listed him questionable for Friday’s contest against the Jazz, though, with a hip contusion. There’s been no mention of when the injury occurred or the severity of it. If Curry is unable to go, then Brandin Podziemski would likely enter the starting lineup.
Draymond Green played 20 minutes on Wednesday, contributing eight points, six rebounds, three assists, a steal, two blocks and a trey. Like Curry, he is also listed as questionable for Friday with a knee contusion. As with Curry, there’s been no mention of when the injury occurred or the severity of it.
If Green is unable to go, Steve Kerr has a plethora of options. With the Jazz starting Walker Kessler at center, Kerr may insert Kevon Looney into the starting lineup while he needs someone to match up with Lauri Markkanen. I’m not sure Trayce Jackson-Davis is up to that task. Maybe Andrew Wiggins or Jonathan Kuminga defend Markkanen. Keep abreast of starting lineup announcements.
De’Anthony Melton is also questionable due to a chest contusion. On Wednesday, Melton played 19 minutes off the bench, finishing with 10 points, two rebounds, four assists, three steals and two treys. If Melton is unable to go, Buddy Hield and Moses Moody should both see elevated run with Podziemski soaking up most of the ball-handling responsibilities.
Last season, with Curry off the court, Green and Moses Moody saw the biggest usage bumps at 8%. Podziemski was right behind at 7%. With both Curry and Green off the court, Moody saw a 9% usage bump to 27%.
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