BOSTON — Set to play in front of an arena at half capacity, the Warriors will also field about half their roster Saturday in Toronto.
Five of the Warriors’ top six scorers — Steph Curry, Andrew Wiggins, Andre Iguodala, Draymond Green, Otto Porter Jr. and Jordan Poole — were all ruled out shortly after Golden State defeated the Boston Celtics Friday night, securing a winning road trip in the process.
After bagging three road wins in four tries, Kerr described Saturday’s finale — the second leg of two sets of back-to-back games on the trip — “a little bit more of a free swing” before he conferred with general manager Bob Myers to make the final decision on who would play.
“Just knowing we’ve got to play tomorrow, on a five-game trip, guaranteeing us at least three wins makes this a great trip,” Kerr said after the 111-107 win Friday night.
Curry’s absence was classified as a rest day, but the others were dealing with the following ailments, according to the team: a sore left knee for Wiggins; injury management on Iguodala’s right knee; tightness in Green’s right hip; injury management for Porter’s left foot; and Poole, who remains sidelined after entering the NBA’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols before Friday’s game.
Curry and Green have played all but one previous game this season: the last time the Warriors faced a back-to-back to end a long road trip on the other side of the country. Golden State won that game, in Detroit, but Poole played a starring role.
Kevon Looney is the only member of their regular starting five who will be available against the Raptors. The Warriors will instead have to rely on a lineup of rookies and reserves to carry the load.
Lottery picks Jonathan Kumina and Moses Moody should see their first major minutes in the NBA, while role players such as Damion Lee, Gary Payton II, Juan Toscano-Anderson and Nemanja Bjelica are also candidates to step into the starting five. The Warriors also have two guards on two-way contracts, Chris Chiozza and Jeff Dowtin, who will be available.
Source: www.mercurynews.com