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Golden State Warriors’ homestand opens up after injury to opposing star

By Peter O'Keefe

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 25: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns drives the ball against James Wiseman #33 of the Golden State Warriors during the second half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on October 25, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Warriors 134-105. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 25: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns drives the ball against James Wiseman #33 of the Golden State Warriors during the second half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on October 25, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Warriors 134-105. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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No one should wish injury on any athlete, but given a recent spate of their own injuries, the Golden State Warriors may think they deserve some luck when it comes to player availability.

Despite the ongoing absence of stars Stephen Curry and Andrew Wiggins, the Warriors have managed to procure a four-game winning streak back on their home floor. Halfway through an eight-game homestand, the reigning NBA champions have an opportunity to continue the momentum.

An injury to Phoenix Suns’ star Devin Booker may provide the Golden State Warriors with an opportunity to clean-sweep their eight-game homestand.

A 6-2 record on this homestand was predicted as a positive result for Golden State, with games against the Memphis Grizzlies and Phoenix Suns circled as the most challenging of the period. However, the Warriors took care of the Grizzlies on Christmas Day, and the Suns now look all the less threatening with Devin Booker set to be sidelined for upto a month.

Booker’s injury opens up a major opportunity for the Warriors to build some season-defining momentum. They’ve followed the win over the Grizzlies with a scrappy victory against the Charlotte Hornets, then back-to-back fourth-quarter comebacks to defeat the Utah Jazz and Portland Trail Blazers.

Golden State Warriors’ Jordan Poole and Klay Thompson celebrate against the Portland Trail Blazers. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors’ Jordan Poole and Klay Thompson celebrate against the Portland Trail Blazers. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Golden State next host the Atlanta Hawks on Monday, with the Trae Young-led team battling with a 17-19 record and a tumultuous recent period. The Athletics’ Shams Charania reported on Friday that head coach Nate McMillan was considering re-signing amid the team’s turbulent season.

The Warriors then face the team with the league’s worst-record — the Detroit Pistons. With last year’s number one overall pick Cade Cunningham now out for the season, Golden State should get revenge on their surprising loss in Detroit earlier this season. They’ll be hoping to do the same when they take on the 13-24 Orlando Magic on January 7, before closing the homestand against the Suns.

DubNation would have been praying for a 6-2 record a week ago, but even with Curry’s ongoing absence, they could foreseeably go 8-0 to catapult themselves into the top six in the Western Conference.

Next. Is Stephen Curry’s injury proving a blessing in disguise for the Golden State Warriors?. dark

Do the Warriors want to test themselves against the best, including the Suns with Booker? Absolutely. But still sitting with a precarious 19-18 record, the team could do with all the advantages it can get in simply racking up the wins.

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