The ailing Warriors could be looking to young players for big contributions in the coming days.
Golden State coach Steve Kerr addressed reporters before Monday’s game against the Atlanta Hawks, opening his press conference by giving some updates on the banged-up Dubs, who have six players out against the Hawks.
Andrew Wiggins will miss his 14th straight game Monday as he deals with a second bout of illness. He missed 10 games with an adductor strain, overcame illness to scrimmage last week, but has become sick again.
"He’s been through a rough patch,” Kerr said.
Second-year forward Jonathan Kuminga has popped up on the injury report with a sprained foot he suffered Friday against the Portland Trail Blazers and will be out for the foreseeable future.
“Really kinda swelled up on him after the game,” Kerr said. “He’ll be out – we’ll see how long – but it's one of those things where you don’t want to rush him back and make it worse. We’ll have an update in a few days.”
Veteran forward JaMychal Green remains out with a leg infection after a stint in the NBA’s health and safety protocols. Monday’s game marks his seventh straight game sidelined.
“My understanding is it’s not serious,” Kerr said. “It’s on the surface. ... My understanding is our training staff is not concerned about it long term, but it’s something that has to be remedied. Was serious enough to bring him to the hospital to have it addressed.”
Superstar Steph Curry will miss his ninth game Monday night since suffering a shoulder injury, while Andre Iguodala scrimmaged with the team Monday. Iguodala’s season debut still doesn’t seem imminent, however.
James Wiseman rolled his ankle Friday morning and is still recovering from a sprain. Kerr said he is doing weight room work but won’t be available for Wednesday’s game against the Detroit Pistons.
For now, it seems that Kerr has settled on a starting five of Donte DiVincenzo, Jordan Poole, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Kevon Looney – so long as Klay is available. Young players like Moses Moody, rookies Patrick Baldwin Jr. and Ryan Rollins and two-way players Anthony Lamb and Ty Jerome round out the available players Monday night. The Warriors will play four games at Chase Center before heading out on a five-game road trip beginning Jan. 13.
