Warriors face lineup crisis against Cavaliers
The Golden State Warriors are bracing for a challenging matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday, as they find themselves significantly undermanned. With a record of 11-12, the Warriors will be missing several key players, including Jimmy Butler (knee), Draymond Green (foot), De’Anthony Melton (knee), and Seth Curry (toe), all of whom were ruled out earlier in the day after being listed as questionable. Adding to their woes, Stephen Curry (quad) and Al Horford (sciatica) had already been sidelined prior to the game.
Cavs also feeling the pinch
The Cavaliers, currently sitting at 14-10, are not without their own injury concerns. They will be without the services of Jarrett Allen (finger), Lonzo Ball (knee injury management), Sam Merrill (hand), Larry Nance Jr. (calf), Tyrese Proctor (personal reasons), and Max Strus (left foot surgery). This battle of depleted rosters sets the stage for an intriguing contest.
Will Spencer step up?
In the midst of this chaos, Pat Spencer has emerged as a bright spot for the Warriors. Over the last two games, he has arguably been the team’s most impactful player. Against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Spencer spearheaded a significant comeback, showcasing his skills with 17 points on 8-of-14 shooting, along with six assists and no turnovers. Following that performance, he contributed 16 points against the Philadelphia 76ers, shooting 5-of-8, while adding four assists and two turnovers. His plus-17 rating against Philadelphia highlighted his influence on the game, though the Warriors ultimately fell short in a heart-wrenching 99-98 loss.
Despite his recent success, Spencer has yet to make a start in his 60 career appearances for Golden State. In the previous game against Philadelphia, the Warriors opted for a three-guard lineup featuring Brandin Podziemski, Will Richard, and Moses Moody, with Draymond Green and Al Horford filling the frontcourt spots. With both Green and Horford unavailable for Saturday’s clash, it is likely that Quinten Post will assume the center position.
Lineup predictions and uncertainties
The remaining four positions in the lineup are up for debate, although Moody appears to be a solid candidate for a starting role. While Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga have struggled in recent outings, their starting status would typically be unquestioned given the team’s current limitations.
If I had to predict, a potential starting five could include Spencer, Richard, Moody, Kuminga, and Post, with Podziemski likely taking on a bench role. However, with so many variables in play, the final decision on the lineup remains uncertain as the clock ticks down to tip-off.
