The Golden State Warriors host the New Orleans Pelicans tonight, in a game that has huge Play-In tournament implications. Both teams are playing very well: the Dubs have won nine of their last 10 games, and the Pels have won three in a row, all on the road.
But both teams played grueling games last night and could be without a few key contributors. Whoever wins will have to dig deep to get there.
Here is the full injury report.
Warriors
Doubtful — Gary Payton II (left calf tightness)
The Dubs will likely be without GPII for the second game in a row, which is a big disappointment. His athleticism is huge against a young and dynamic Pelicans team, and his perimeter defense is so important against CJ McCollum.
UPDATE: Payton has now been ruled out.
Questionable — Jonathan Kuminga (right pelvic contusion)
The good news here is that Kuminga’s illness is not the knee problem that kept him out for six games. But it would be a huge loss if Kuminga couldn’t play. Not only is he one of the Warriors’ best players, but he’s the only player on the roster who lives even remotely close to the sports area code in which Zion Williamson resides.
UPDATE: Kuminga is now excluded.
Likely — Draymond Green (right knee contusion)
Likely — Klay Thompson (right knee tendonitis)
I’m taking these two together, because the blurb for each is basically the same. Green and Thompson sat out Thursday’s win due to right knee issues. I suspect everyone could have played, but since the team had a back-to-back game – and tonight’s opponent was much tougher than last night’s – Steve Kerr wanted to make sure they were available for this match. It almost backfired, as the Dubs flirted with disaster in Portland, but all’s well that ends well. I’m not at all surprised that they were upgraded to probable.
Likely — Dario Šarić (lateral right knee joint pain)
Šarić returned to the field on Thursday, playing his first match since March 20. It was great to see him again, even if his role is limited.
Pelicans
Out — Brandon Ingram (left knee bone bruise)
Ingram hasn’t played since March 21. The Pelicans hope he returns for Sunday’s season finale, which is also good news for the Warriors: New Orleans faces the Los Angeles Lakers in that game.
Out — Larry Nance Jr. (personal reasons)
As always, “personal reasons” means it’s time to say: some things are bigger than basketball. I hope all is well with Nance and her family.
Out — Naji Marshall (contusion to left shoulder)
Is it just me, or are there a lot more bruises this year than in previous years? Marshall has played a pretty big role for the Pelicans this year, so his loss is notable: the forward is averaging 19.0 minutes per game and shooting 38.7 percent from three-point range.
Good game, Dub Nation!
