Brandin Podziemski will not be part of the Warriors squad taking on the Celtics tonight. The 21-year-old has been dealing with a broken nose and still playing through it, impressively might I add, having stepped up in a big way to help a Dubs team that underwent quite the changes this offseason. If it’s not his nose, then what could possibly be the reason for his absence from a crucial matchup like the one tonight?

Steve Kerr has the answer to that. Talking to Anthony Slater about their late injury report addition, Coach Kerr said, “Whatever it is, he’s still feeling the effects. He’s dying to play, but we are holding him out.” 

Slater, for his part, added a straightforward note of his own: “Brandin Podziemski is out in Boston tonight. Still sick.”

If you remember, in Steph Curry‘s triumphant return to the court against the Wizards in their last matchup, Podz, even before completing a minute on the court, pointed to the bench during a live play, and asked to be subbed out. Needless to say, it was a chaotic and confusing moment.

The team, meanwhile, committed a shot clock violation and turned the ball over. At the same time, Podziemski hurried out of the tunnel, seemingly frustrated with Rick Celebrini, as Steph, concern written all over his face, talked to him on his way back. There wasn’t, of course, any explanation for the sudden exit. But it was later revealed that the young guard wouldn’t be returning because he was not feeling well.

Despite it all, Brandin Podziemski had been upgraded to available ahead of the Celtics battle. But it’s clear now that whatever illness the hoopster is dealing with is certainly sucking the energy out of him.

Brandin Podziemski has been nothing short of a wizard for the Warriors

In 7 games this season, 3 of which he started, ‘Airpodz’ has averaged 9.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists on 37.8% shooting. Suffice it to say that it is a great start to his season. After the disappointing last season and the subsequent changes to their team, the Golden State wasn’t considered to be a contender.

However, they are on par with the top 5 teams with the best record in the league so far (6-1)! And a big part of that surge is Brandin Podziesmki. Next to Chef Curry, Podz was tasked with stepping up to a bigger role this year and the result has been amazing. The Santa Clara alum has filled key gaps for the team, providing shot creation for others and serving as a secondary playmaker on the perimeter, helping to maintain a steady pace of play.

The hoopster’s spectacular run against the Rockets in itself was a testament to the superstardom that Joe Lacob and other power brokers of the team envision for the $16.2 million combo guard.

Explaining his strategy post-game then, Brandin Podziemski said, “When they speed up you slow down, and when they try to slow you down you speed up. … When they get extra aggressive, you just slow down and play at your pace… So for me, not having Steph out there and being the floor general, that was just my mindset.”

He clearly has his priorities straight!

Anyway, with Brandin Podziemski sidelined tonight, there is no doubt that players like Moses Moody, Gary Payton II, and Lindy Waters III will get a chance to showcase their abilities. So, let’s wait and see how the Golden State Warriors adjust in their matchup against the Jays.