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Golden State Warriors can’t catch a break with further issues ahead of Hawks clash

By William Spencer

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 04: Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during a game at the Smoothie King Center on November 04, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 04: Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during a game at the Smoothie King Center on November 04, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors will host the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night at Chase Center, with the team hoping to secure a fifth-straight win. Unfortunately, the reigning champions will do so with an even further depleted backcourt.

Jonathan Kuminga is now unavailable due to a right foot sprain, while James Wiseman remains sidelined with a left ankle sprain sustained in a three-on-three session in practice. JaMychal Green is still out with a right lower leg infection following Covid, with Andrew Wiggins missing his 14th straight game having overcome his adductor strain before picking up a non-Covid illness.

The Golden State Warriors health concerns have continued, but they’ll look to add to their league-leading home record against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday.

The Warriors are down to nine rotation players, perhaps ten if Ryan Rollins were to be recalled from Santa Cruz. Youngsters Moses Moody and Patrick Baldwin Jr. will need to step up to provide valuable minutes, while Anthony Lamb must continue his contributions given the limited frontcourt availability.

Golden State Warriors’ rookie Patrick Baldwin Jr. provided excellent minutes against the Jazz last week. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors’ rookie Patrick Baldwin Jr. provided excellent minutes against the Jazz last week. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

With the loss of Stephen Curry for at least two more games, and the continuing absence of Wiggins, Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole can not afford to have an off night. 311, as they are now known, will need to sustain the scoring pace they displayed during the first four games of the current home stand.

The defending champions welcome the New Year with a sense of urgency and a focused purpose to defend their title. With a “never say die” commitment to defense, limiting their untimely turnovers, moving the ball in Warriors fashion, and hitting their open looks — all keys to continuing their home dominance. Steve Kerr will mix and match his rotation as if he was a spider weaving a web. He’ll remain hopeful the home crowd at Chase Center can bring the energy, and that a slightly off night from the visiting Hawks can deliver another crucial Warriors win.

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