Curry’s Return on the Horizon
Steve Kerr has provided a glimmer of hope for Warriors fans, announcing that Stephen Curry participated fully in practice on Wednesday. The head coach characterized Curry’s status as “promising” ahead of Friday’s matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. After missing the last five games due to a quad injury, Curry’s potential return comes at a crucial time for Golden State, which has managed a 2-3 record in his absence and holds a 4-5 mark without him this season.
Projected Starting Lineup
With Draymond Green expected to return from his foot injury, the Warriors are likely to feature a starting lineup that includes Curry, Green, and Butler. However, the identity of the remaining two starters remains uncertain. Quinten Post, a second-year center, is anticipated to secure a starting role after impressing during a recent road trip. Post’s defensive prowess has been a significant asset for the Warriors, contributing to a remarkable 12.4-point differential per 100 possessions when he is on the court, ranking in the 97th percentile according to Cleaning the Glass.
As for the shooting guard position, the decision is less clear-cut. De’Anthony Melton could be a strong candidate, but after being sidelined for over a year, he is still finding his rhythm in just his third game back. If the Warriors opt for an alternative, they could turn to Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, or Buddy Hield. Podziemski is coming off his best performance in weeks, making him a solid contender, yet Melton’s superior point-of-attack defense might make him an ideal fit alongside the other starters.
Spencer’s Role with Curry
Kerr also mentioned that Pat Spencer will see playing time alongside Curry, stating, “some and we’ll see.” Both players are listed at 6’2″, which raises potential concerns about defensive matchups when they share the floor. However, Curry has previously partnered with traditional point guards, such as Chris Paul, with whom he logged 1,232 possessions this season and achieved a notable net rating of plus-8.1.
In the absence of Curry, Spencer is likely to handle the majority of the minutes alongside Butler. The two have shown remarkable chemistry, boasting a staggering plus-37.0 net rating over 162 possessions together. As the Warriors approach their game against the Timberwolves, these lineup decisions will be critical as they look to regain momentum and capitalize on Curry’s imminent return.
