The Brooklyn Nets are in San Francisco to play the Golden State Warriors, hoping to break their current losing streak.
The Nets are coming off a 35-point loss to the Portland Trailblazers, their seventh defeat this season by at least 30 points.
Warriors Battle Injuries
The Golden State Warriors are currently tenth seed. They are navigating a frustrating and disappointing season. Golden State beat the Dallas Mavericks in overtime on Monday night.
Moses Moody suffered a torn patellar tendon in that game and will be out indefinitely.
Smith Gets Another Chance
Malachi Smith has been extended another 10 days.
With Traore out, Ben Saraf will start at the one. He will get all the minutes he can handle. This game will be a challenge for his decision making, as the Warriors are fifth in the NBA in opponent’s turnover rate this season. Ben has had turnover trouble for much of the season and tonight will be a great opportunity for him to work on it.
Podziemski Steps Up
Without Stephen Curry, the Warriors are relying on Brandin Podziemski. It’s been a learning lesson for him. When Curry does return, we’ll see how Podz gets reacclimated to a familiar role. In the meantime, he’s got to navigate this rocky road.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said, “So in my mind right now, where he is: if he’s playing off of Steph, off of the ball, if he’s playing more of a secondary ball-handler role, he’s really good. He does a lot of things that a lot of players don’t do. He’s got a knack. When he tries to be too on-ball, you see him get into some trouble. You see the warts.”
Previous Meeting
Golden State won the first meeting in December.
Looking Ahead
KP came over from the Atlanta Hawks at the trade deadline, and it’s been a rocky start to his new adventure. Porzingis missed time due to illness and it led to more questions about the Warriors’ future.