Warriors Reveal 16th Unique Starting Lineup Against Thunder
The Golden State Warriors will field a distinct lineup when they face off against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday. With their star trio sidelined, the team unveils its 16th unique starting five this season. Key player Gui Santos will make his fourth career start, joined by Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, Will Richard, and Quinten Post.
Injury Report for the Warriors
The Warriors face a significant challenge, missing several key players due to various injuries. Stephen Curry (ankle), Jimmy Butler (illness), and Draymond Green (rest) are among those unavailable. Additionally, De’Anthony Melton (knee management) and Seth Curry (sciatica) will not play. Jonathan Kuminga’s lower back soreness adds to the woes, leaving the Warriors with only ten active players for this matchup.
Santos Earns Starting Spot
Gui Santos comes into this game following one of the best performances of his young career. He scored 15 points on 5-of-6 shooting, including a three-point accuracy of 3-of-4, against the Charlotte Hornets. Santos also recorded five rebounds, two assists, a block, and zero turnovers, showcasing his efficiency on the court.
- Points: 15
- Shooting: 5-of-6 (83.3%)
- Three-point shooting: 3-of-4 (75%)
- Rebounds: 5
- Assists: 2
- Plus/Minus: +15
Over the last 12 games, Santos leads the team in plus/minus, accumulating a total of +59. Standing at 6’7″, he fits the mold of a modern stretch four and has proven himself defensively against his matchups. His increased minutes are well-deserved as the team navigates its injury struggles.
Needs for the Game Against the Thunder
The Warriors will rely heavily on Brandin Podziemski, who serves as the third-leading scorer with an average of 12.5 points per game. The absence of Curry and Butler amplifies the need for multiple players to rise to the occasion. Podziemski, coming off a solid 19-point performance, may need to replicate his career-high of 29 points to provide necessary scoring support against Oklahoma City.
Strategic Double-Big Lineup
In yet another move necessitated by circumstances, the Warriors are likely to continue with a double-big lineup. Al Horford will take on the power forward position, complementing either Trayce Jackson-Davis or Quinten Post, both of whom primarily play center. This strategy may help them compete on the boards and minimize the Thunder’s rebounding advantage.
With several obstacles ahead, the Warriors are poised to showcase their resilience on Friday. Fans will be eager to see how this novel lineup performs and whether they can secure a much-needed victory over the Thunder.
