Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole is battling a knee contusion ahead of his team’s clash against the Los Angeles Clippers at Chase Center on Thursday night.
The 23-year-old is still expected to take part in the matchup, having been listed as ‘probable’ on the official injury report. Meanwhile Andrew Wiggins will miss his sixth-straight game dealing with personal matters.
The Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers will fight for the Western Conference’s fifth-seed when they face off on Thursday.
Wiggins has been away from the team for nearly three weeks, having last played against the Washington Wizards on February 13. Speaking on 95.7 The Game’s Steiny and Guru on Wednesday, general manager Bob Myers was asked whether there was a chance Wiggins may not return to the Warriors this season.
"“I don’t think so. I don’t want to speak on his personal life…Could he remain out for a long long time? I don’t think that’s happening but I’m going to leave that alone.”"
Bob Myers full response on Andrew Wiggins ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/LuCD1H6Bhk
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) March 1, 2023
Importantly, Draymond Green is not listed on the injury report having missed two games with a knee contusion before returning against the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday. That remarkable comeback win has given Golden State a rare slice of momentum with three-straight wins, a feat they’ve achieved only four times this season.
Conversely, the Clippers are coming off three-straight losses, all of which have occured since acquiring Russell Westbrook through the buyout market. The former MVP is now the starting point-guard, taking duties from 26-year-old Terrance Mann. With only four players unavailable due to G League assignment, Los Angeles have a fully health roster at this the crucial point of the season.
Los Angeles got the better of Golden State in the teams’ last battle on February 14, with a 25-6 run across the late third and early fourth-quarter proving decisive in the 134-124 result. The Warriors took the result in the first game at Chase Center earlier this season, winning the November 23 clash 124-107. Given the Warriors have moved to 32-30, and the Clippers have slipped to 33-31, Thursday’s game will determine the current fifth-seed in the Western Conference.