Grayson Allen sidelined as Warriors brace for critical matchup
The Phoenix Suns will face the Golden State Warriors without Grayson Allen, who has been ruled out for Thursday’s game due to right knee soreness. Initially listed as questionable, Allen’s absence marks a significant loss for the Suns, who currently sit at 14-12. The guard has started all 18 games he has played this season. Additionally, Jalen Green (hamstring) and Isaiah Livers (hip) will also miss the contest.
Meanwhile, the Warriors, who come into this matchup with a record of 13-14, will be missing Pat Spencer for the first time this season due to personal reasons. Al Horford continues to sit out, missing his fifth consecutive game with sciatica, and he indicated on Thursday that he is expected to be sidelined for at least another week.
A Clash Fueled by Pressure
After suffering a narrow 136-131 loss to the Trail Blazers last Sunday, the Warriors find themselves under a spotlight of scrutiny. The defeat marked their second consecutive loss, prompting a wave of criticism directed at several key players. Most notably, Jimmy Butler has faced backlash regarding his performance, with critics questioning the value of his contract due to a lack of scoring. He managed only 16 points on 3-of-11 shooting against Portland.
Draymond Green has also been in the crosshairs, with discussions surrounding his turnover issues becoming a focal point. Against the Trail Blazers, Green recorded an alarming eight turnovers, further fueling the narrative that the Warriors need to tighten their play. With their pride on the line, both Green and Butler are expected to come into Thursday’s game with a heightened sense of urgency and determination to reclaim their form.
An Emerging Threat for the Suns
As the Warriors prepare for the challenge, they face an unheralded player who could emerge as a surprise threat. Despite Grayson Allen’s absence, Collin Gillespie has shown he can be a formidable scorer, averaging 13.0 points per game. Although he has cooled off recently, shooting just 38.1 percent over his last four games, Gillespie’s potential to ignite is evident, especially after his career-high 28-point performance against the Lakers on December 1.
While the Warriors will undoubtedly focus much of their defensive efforts on star guard Devin Booker, overlooking Gillespie could prove detrimental. With a three-point shooting percentage of 42.5 this season, he possesses the capability to capitalize on any open looks. Warriors fans should remain wary, as history has shown that lesser-known players can step up in significant moments when opportunities arise.
As the teams prepare to clash, the stakes are high, and the outcome could have lasting implications for both squads.
