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Undermanned, uninspired Golden State Warriors look for top seed

By Tony Pesta

CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 25: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after a play during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on December 25, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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. Mandatory copyright notice. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 25: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after a play during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on December 25, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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. Mandatory copyright notice. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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Christmas Day was shaping up to be an explosive meeting between the two top teams in the NBA. Instead, the Golden State Warriors enter their matchup against Phoneix undermanned and uninspired.

It is hard to be mad at anyone on the Warriors for feeling a little winded. The team is not only traveling on Christmas to play an afternoon game on the road but they are doing so with six of their rotational players on the sideline.

The Golden State Warriors might not be feeling the Christmas cheer this season as they enter Xmas undermanned and uninspired.

Entering Xmas, the Warriors have three players in the league’s health and safety protocols. Andrew Wiggins, Jordan Poole and Damion Lee will all be missing the action due to a recent COVID-19 surge across the NBA.

While many of us hoped Klay Thompson would make a climactic return by Christmas, that reality was ruled out a few weeks ago. The same goes for sophomore James Wiseman, who is expected to debut in early 2021.

With the veteran Andre Iguodala also on the bench for this meeting in Phoenix, the Warriors are going to have to muster up a little bit of Christmas magic in order for a miracle to happen.

Why do I say this? Well, the Suns are at nearly full strength. Chris Paul, Devin Booker, Mikal Bridges and Deandre Ayton are ready to grow their lead as the No. 1 team in the NBA.

On the bright side, the Warriors will get to see another extended look at Jonathan Kuminga. The rookie is being thrust into the lineup and has no choice other than to sink or swim on the biggest stage of his career, so far.

While there are plenty of reasons for the Dubs to enter this game feeling flat — they should also be motivated at the chance to swipe the best record in the league from Phoenix. As of now, they are deadlocked in a race for the top seed and a win tonight would bode well for the Dubs moving forward.

With that being said, let’s hope for an entertaining game. And, of course, Merry Christmas to all reading.

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