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Healthy Golden State Warriors can’t afford major slip up against Spurs

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 14: Keldon Johnson #3 of the San Antonio Spurs tries to shoot over Kevon Looney #5 as Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors blocks his shot at Chase Center on November 14, 2022 in San Francisco, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 14: Keldon Johnson #3 of the San Antonio Spurs tries to shoot over Kevon Looney #5 as Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors blocks his shot at Chase Center on November 14, 2022 in San Francisco, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors have defeated the San Antonio Spurs by a combined 68 points across two games this season, and the defending champions will be seeking another comfortable win when the teams face off at Chase Center on Friday night.

Coming off a massive second-half comeback against the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday, the Warriors simply can’t afford a slip up against a Spurs team with the third-worst record in the league.

The Golden State Warriors will look to take a further stranglehold on sixth spot in the West with a win over the San Antonio Spurs.

After a rare two days off ahead of their final five games, Golden State appear refreshed according to the injury report. There are no players battling fresh injuries, leaving Andrew Wiggins (personal reasons), Andre Iguodala (wrist) and Ryan Rollins (foot) as the only players listed on the injury report. It will be the former’s 21st straight absence, with no timetable for his return despite Steve Kerr revealing that he’s been working out individually on a daily basis.

Andrew Wiggins defending Zach Collins during the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs last matchup at the Alamodome on January 13. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
Andrew Wiggins defending Zach Collins during the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs last matchup at the Alamodome on January 13. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) /

The Spurs are a much different outfit to the last time the two teams played. They dealt experienced duo Jakob Poeltl and Josh Richardson prior to last month’s trade deadline, and have a lengthy injury report as they look to the future with one eye on the NBA draft lottery.

Exciting rookie Jeremy Sochan is out with right knee soreness, with Charles Bassey, Khem Birch and Zach Collins joining him on the sidelines. Talented 22-year-old Devin Vassell is questionable with a knee injury, Romeo Langford is also questionable with an adductor issue, and experienced shooter Doug McDermott is probable with elbow soreness.

San Antonio have lost five in a row, with each defeat coming by at least 11 points. Gregg Popovich’s men hold the worst defense in the league, and the second-worst offense, suggesting the Warriors should have no issues on their home floor.

Next. Golden State Warriors: The last five games and the Western Conference landscape. dark

However, Golden State can’t afford to lose concentration and focus with every game meaning so much. The New Orleans Pelicans (39-38) drew closer with a win over a Nikola Jokic-less Nuggets in Denver on Thursday, meaning the Warriors hold a little more pressure as they chase their 41st win of the season.

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