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Golden State Warriors’ Christmas Day showing will be meaningless

By Nathan Beighle

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 14: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors looks on after making a three point basket to break Ray Allen’s record for the most all-time against the New York Knicks during their game at Madison Square Garden on December 14, 2021 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 14: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors looks on after making a three point basket to break Ray Allen’s record for the most all-time against the New York Knicks during their game at Madison Square Garden on December 14, 2021 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors could easily get destroyed as they take to the road and head to Phoenix. They’ll take on a fully-loaded Phoenix Suns team that just returned superstar guard Devin Booker.

The Suns have everyone you’d want in a championship-contending team. From a rising star in center Deandre Ayton to a veteran point guard in Chris Paul, the Suns have size, experience, scoring, and depth.

The Golden State Warriors will be down several key players against the Suns, making whatever happens relatively meaningless.

The Warriors have already played the Suns twice this season, splitting their two-game series 1-1. In their only game in Phoenix, they lost 104-96.

However, it’s expected that Golden State will be down both guard Jordan Poole and forward Andrew Wiggins, the third- and second-best scoring options respectively for the team. On top of that, veteran forward Andre Iguodala may be out as well.

The absence of those three will undoubtedly be felt. Guard Damion Lee has also been put in the health and safety protocol, which means the player that would likely start in place of Poole will also be out.

The player that started for Wiggins, rookie Jonathan Kuminga, isn’t expected to play either. The Warriors will be short-handed, obviously also without five-time All-Star Klay Thompson and James Wiseman.

This season, we’ve seen what Golden State is capable of, but if they get embarrassed with Stephen Curry on the court, which many will undoubtedly blame the two-time MVP for, just know that reinforcements are coming.

Golden State should still be considered one of the top championship contenders.

The Warriors were expecting to get Thompson back for this game, but their ultra-strong start to the season may have given the star guard more time to recover without fear of his team missing the playoffs.

The Warriors have downed Brooklyn at the Barclays Center. They’re beaten Chicago and Phoenix and both teams in LA. Their offense, especially behind the all-time three-point leader Curry, has flourished this season.

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However, the array of injuries and absences could get to them against a true title contender. The Warriors have the potential to hang in there as Draymond Green and Curry should both be active, but given the excellence of Mikal Bridges, I expect a rough day for the Warriors on Christmas.

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