3 Golden State Warriors that could see decreased minutes in Game 5

The Golden State Warriors are still trying to figure out what lineups best work to break down the Boston Celtics. It’s easier said than done as Boston has the ability to play small-ball well while also easily converting to a lineup with two centers.

To make matters even more difficult, they really don’t play with a traditional point guard, so their shooting guard, Jaylen Brown, can oftentimes play more of a three.

The Warriors edged out Boston in Game 4 and have to figure out how to repeat that success. Here’s who could see fewer minutes as they aim to do just that.

The Celtics have an ultra-strong defensive lineup when Marcus Smart, Jayson Tatum, Brown, Al Horford and Robert Williams III take the court. Countering that isn’t easy for Steve Kerr who has to do more with far less size.

Behind masterclass performances from Stephen Curry, the Warriors have been able to take a 2-2 series back to the Bay Area. After a Game 1 loss to kick everything off, this is really the best-case scenario.

For Kerr, some lineups and some players have been more effective than others, one reason he opted to start Otto Porter Jr. in Game 5 despite still playing Kevon Looney for 28 minutes. It’s difficult to figure out what works and quickly implement that.

In Game 5, the stakes will be higher, and while these players will still see the court, I wouldn’t be shocked if their minutes are reduced after what we’ve seen through the first four games of the series.