A convincing 139-104 win over the Blazers on the season opener has given the Warriors new wings to fly. Stephen Curry & Co. looked just as formidable in the preseason, as well. There’s no doubt that they are hoping to continue the same as they get ready for their second game of the season vs the Utah Jazz. If you remember, though, Steve Kerr had used quite the unconventional method, a 12-man rotation, to be specific, and confirmed to reporters that he planned to stick to it for now.
However, the veteran coach might be missing a few key pieces this time. The injury report for the Golden State Warriors has a few surprise entries, and it’s not doing anyone any favor. The man himself, Steph Curry, is listed as ‘Questionable’ for the matchup with a right hip contusion against Jazz.
Joining him on the list with the same tag are Draymond Green – a left knee contusion and De’Anthony Melton – a right chest contusion. Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports Bay Area tweeted the worrying update on X.
“Steph Curry (right hip contusion), Draymond Green (left knee contusion) and De’Anthony Melton (right chest contusion) are all questionable for tomorrow night’s Warriors game against the Jazz in Utah.”
Steph Curry (right hip contusion), Draymond Green (left knee contusion) and De’Anthony Melton (right chest contusion) are all questionable for tomorrow night’s Warriors game against the Jazz in Utah
— Dalton Johnson (@DaltonJ_Johnson) October 24, 2024
There have been no further updates as to how or when the 4x champion suffered this injury or the severity of it. The same can be said of others in the report, too. That said, if the three do indeed have to be sidelined for the Jazz matchup, there are a few options Kerr could use.
Projected key players in the absence of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and De’Anthony Melton
For one, Brandin Podziemski will likely get the nod as the starter in Curry‘s absence. He could also go with Kevon Looney to match up against Jazz’s center, Walker Kessler. Especially considering Looney’s strengths in rebounding and interior defense, which would be necessary to counter the latter’s size and shot-blocking abilities.
As for the Lauri Markkanen assignment, two names come to mind – Jonathan Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins, primarily due to their length, defensive versatility, and ability to switch on the perimeter. Although, you have to wonder if Trayce Jackson-Davis is up to the task, being more of a dark-horse candidate due to Markkanen’s mobility and outside shooting.
Furthermore, in the scenario that Melton is also off the floor, Buddy Hield and Moses Moody would probably see more minutes as Podz takes care of the ball-handling duties.
Going back to Kerr’s 12-man rotation, the absence of Steph and the other stars could very well test the effectiveness of this approach. But his plan to maintain a deep rotation this early in the season suggests that the man is ready to handle any curveball that might come at him.
Anyway, let’s hope for the best as the Warriors prepare for their second game of the season.