Delayed return for experienced Golden State Warriors duo
The Golden State Warriors will remain without experienced duo Andrew Wiggins and JaMychal Green for Friday’s matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers at Chase Center.
Both players have recovered from issues that have kept them out of multiple games — Wiggins had an adductor strain and Green was in health and safety protocols. However, the official NBA injury report now lists the former as out with a non-covid illness, while the latter has a lower leg infection.
The Golden State Warriors’ injury report remains extensive for the clash with the Portland Trail Blazers, while Gary Payton II won’t line up against his former team.
The duo’s continued absence will give further opportunities to Warriors youngsters James Wiseman, Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody. It doesn’t look like that will extend to rookies Patrick Baldwin Jr. and Ryan Rollins though, with the pair reassigned to Golden State’s G League affiliate in Santa Cruz. Baldwin scored 11 points in Wednesday’s win over the Utah Jazz, also recording a game-high +13 plus-minus having trained in Santa Cruz earlier that day.
Veterans Stephen Curry and Andre Iguodala remain out, while Draymond Green and Donte DiVincenzo are again listed as probable as they manage minor issues. On the Portland side of things, Warrior fans won’t be able to watch former fan-favourite and NBA champion Gary Payton II go against his former team.
The 30-year-old left Golden State in free agency during the offseason, much to the disappointment of DubNation. However, Payton is yet to play this season with his new team, although he’s nearing a return and is officially listed out with ‘return to competition reconditioning’. Nassir Little, Justise Winslow, Keon Johnson and Greg Brown III are also out for Portland, while starting center Jusuf Nurkic is listed as probable with right calf soreness.
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The tenth-seed Warriors will look to level things up with the eighth-seed Blazers in a compact Western Conference, with both teams aiming to rise up the standings and avoid the play-in mix.