The Golden State Warriors are in red-hot form in the preseason. They have won five games on the roll and their most recent victory came against the same Lakers side that they will be facing tonight. Stephen Curry has played in four of the five preseason games, and despite jamming his finger during the matchup with the Pistons, it wasn’t anything serious, allowing him to return to the court shortly after.
As of now, Curry is not on the injury list of the Warriors and this could very well mean the Dubs superstar will feature in the preseason finale against the Lakers. While the Warriors have enjoyed a great run in the preseason so far, Curry on the other hand individually hasn’t had the greatest time. The 4x NBA champ has been averaging just 11 points in the 4 games he’s played and also shooting a mere 28% from the deep.
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This is the last chance for Curry to get into his groove before the regular season starts. Also, this could be one of the most challenging seasons for Stephen Curry and Co. as they are no longer in the talks for title contention. Moreover, with Klay Thompson’s departure, there is no solid No. 2 to back Curry in terms of scoring.
However, it appears the squad’s youngsters have stepped up to the task, for the preseason, and Dubs fans will hope players like Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, and Brandin Podziemski show up when the regular season starts. Let’s take a look at the Warriors’ depth before their final preseason game.
Warriors Depth Chart
What’s your perspective on:
Can Curry carry the Warriors to the playoffs without a solid No. 2 scorer this season?
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This is how the Warriors could look for the 2024-25 season. This could also be the starting lineup for their preseason finale.
Position | Starting | 1st Rotation | 2nd Rotation |
PG | Stephen Curry | De’Anthony Melton | Brandin Podziemski |
SG | Brandin Podziemski | Buddy Hield | De’Anthony Melton |
SF | Andrew Wiggins | Gary Payton II | Kyle Anderson |
PF | Jonathan Kuminga | Kyle Anderson | Draymond Green |
C | Draymond Green | Trayce Jackson-Davis | Kevon Looney |
Warriors Injury News
Andrew Wiggins was finally back on the court against the Lakers after missing the previous games due to an unknown illness. He knocked off some rust and scored 11 points in 21 minutes of game time. He has some huge expectations on his shoulders after Coach Kerr publicly lauded him for becoming the No.2 scorer of the team this season.
De’Anthony Melton is on a day-to-day due to a back problem. But, he was part of Thursday’s practice as per Kendra Andrews of ESPN. Which means he could also feature in tonight’s game against the Lakers. Another player on the day-to-day is Brandin Podziemski who has suffered a broken nose. Podziemski suffered the injury while playing against the Kings while taking a hand-off from Trayce Jackson-Davis.
However, both the players were present on the court for the open practice at the Chase Center. Podiziemski was spotted wearing the protective mask for his nose.
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Preseason Takeaways so far
With a perfect 5-0 record—including victories against the LA Clippers, Detroit Pistons, LA Lakers, and Sacramento Kings (twice)—the Warriors are gearing up for their final preseason game. So far, they have demonstrated impressive depth, addressing concerns that arose following Klay Thompson’s departure. Notably, Moses Moody has stood out with his strong performances during the preseason, likely earning him a regular rotation spot for the upcoming season.
Additionally, the Warriors have been experimenting with different lineups, featuring a new combination in each game. This strategy allows them to test various tactics and player combinations before the regular season begins. Their three-point shooting continues to improve, as evidenced by their 45 attempts in the recent matchup against the Lakers.
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Dubs Nation will be hopeful that their preseason success carries over into the regular season. One key aspect to watch is Stephen Curry’s performance. While his abilities on the court are undeniable, he will need to deliver consistent play more than ever this season. With no clear No. 2 option available, Curry must step up significantly if the Warriors aim to secure a playoff spot. Additionally, the younger players, particularly Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski, will need to perform consistently to support the team’s success.
How far do you think the Warriors will go this season? Let us know in the comments.
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Can Curry carry the Warriors to the playoffs without a solid No. 2 scorer this season?