The Warriors are facing a depleted Lakers team on Thursday at Chase Center.
Gui Santos has been ruled out with a pelvic contusion after being listed as questionable.
Warriors’ Injury List Grows
Golden State have eight players ruled out. Stephen Curry is out with knee injury management.
Kristaps Porzingis is out with illness management and a knee issue. Al Horford is sidelined with a calf injury. Will Richard is out with a back injury, and Quinten Post is unavailable due to a foot problem.
Lakers’ Absences and Key Player Availability
The Lakers will be without Luka Doncic due to a hamstring injury. Austin Reaves is out with an oblique issue. Jaxson Hayes is sidelined with a foot injury, and Marcus Smart is unavailable due to an ankle problem.
LeBron James will be active for the Lakers, which should give them a sizable advantage.
Santos’ Absence Creates Opportunity
Since Jimmy Butler’s season-ending ACL tear, Santos has been averaging 29.8 minutes per game, playing at small forward and power forward.
Without Santos, Butler and Moses Moody, the Warriors will need to find solutions to fill the minutes at the 3 and 4 positions.
With Charles Bassey at center, Draymond Green may play some minutes at power forward.
Here is a potential minutes breakdown for the Warriors:
- Small Forward Minutes: Brandin Podziemski/Gary Payton II: 30, Nate Williams: 18
- Power Forward Minutes: Draymond Green: 20, Malevy Leons: 28
- Center Minutes: Charles Bassey: 32, Draymond Green: 16
Podziemski and Payton aren’t traditional small forwards, but they may have to guard 3s.
Opportunities for Leons and Bassey
The minutes breakdown suggests Leons and Bassey are going to play a lot against the Lakers.
It’s a significant opportunity for both players, particularly Bassey. Bassey is not under contract for next season and is essentially auditioning for every NBA team with his minutes.
Bassey impressed against the Kings on Tuesday, recording 14 points, 12 rebounds, two steals and two blocks.
Lakers’ Frontcourt Advantage
The Warriors may not have the frontcourt talent to match up against the Lakers. James will likely have a big game. Deandre Ayton and Rui Hachimura could also exploit Leons and Bassey.
Bassey shined on Tuesday against the Kings, recording 14 points, 12 rebounds, two steals and two blocks.