The Golden State Warriors have announced a major lineup change for Tuesday's second preseason game, and in doing so they may have tipped their opening night lineup if Kristaps Porzingis isn't available to face the Los Angeles Lakers on October 21.
Steve Kerr has confirmed veteran center Al Horford will come off the bench against the Lakers on Tuesday, with young forward Gui Santos replacing the 40-year-old in a smaller starting lineup.
Warriors have tipped potential opening night lineup with Al Horford move
Horford's move to the bench is a sign of things to come once the regular season gets underway, with Kerr confirming that the five-time All-Star will "most likely" remain in a reserve role as the Warriors look to manage his minutes going forward.
Horford started in Sunday's preseason opener against the L.A. Clippers, recording three points, three rebounds, an assist and a steal while shooting just 1-of-5 from the floor in less than 16 minutes during the 104-101 defeat.
With Horford likely to come off the bench and Charles Bassey and Graham Ike largely unproven, Tuesday's starting lineup appears like the logical opening night lineup if Porzingis can't return from his current health concern.
Kerr failed to provide any optimism on Porzingis prior to Tuesday's game, confirming that the former All-Star remains out indefinetly after missing the entirety of training camp and Sunday's preseason opener against the Clippers. That would suggest Porzingis' status for the season opener in just two weeks is under serious doubt.
Warriors likely to start small against Lakers in season opener
Sunday's lineup was an indication that Kerr doesn't want to start Draymond Green at the five, but that comes with the difficulty of managing Horford's minutes and putting a burden on him that simply isn't warranted at this stage of his career.
There's also an argument that the small-ball lineup we'll see on Tuesday night is the best one Golden State can put on the floor, and there's something to be said for just putting your best players out there together.
The reality is that Gui Santos deserves a starting role based on his form to end last season, and these small-ball lineups may be a little more viable with a 6'9", 240 pound Yaxel Lendeborg who had nine rebounds in less than 19 minutes against the Clippers on Sunday.
It may also allow the Warriors to play a little quicker while retaining five-out spacing, something that could prove crucial as they look to rise from an underwhelming 19th-ranked offense last season.
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