The Golden State Warriors host the New Orleans Pelicans tonight, in a game that has massive Play-In Tournament implications. Both teams are playing very well: the Dubs have won nine of their last 10 games, and the Pels have won three in a row, all on the road.
But both teams played grueling games last night, and could be without a few key contributors. Whoever wins is going to have to dig deep to make it happen.
Here’s the full injury report.
Warriors
Doubtful — Gary Payton II (left calf tightness)
The Dubs will likely be without GPII for the second straight game, which is a big bummer. His athleticism is huge against a young and spry Pelicans squad, and his perimeter defense is so important against CJ McCollum.
UPDATE: Payton has now been ruled OUT.
Questionable — Jonathan Kuminga (right pelvic contusion)
The good news here is that Kuminga’s ailment isn’t the knee issue that kept him out for six games flaring up again. But it would be a huge loss if Kuminga can’t play. Not only is he one of the Warriors best players, but he’s the only player on the roster who lives even remotely near the athletic area code that Zion Williamson resides in.
UPDATE: Kuminga has now been ruled OUT.
Probable — Draymond Green (right knee contusion)
Probable — Klay Thompson (right knee tendonitis)
I’m taking these two together, because the blurb for each is basically the same. Both Green and Thompson sat during Thursday’s win due to their right knee ailments. I suspect that each could have played, but with the team having a back-to-back — and tonight’s opponent being much tougher than last night’s — Steve Kerr wanted to ensure that they were available for this game. It nearly backfired, as the Dubs flirted with disaster in Portland, but all’s well that ends well. I’m not at all surprised that they’ve been upgraded to probable.
Probable — Dario Šarić (right knee lateral joint line pain)
Šarić returned to the court on Thursday, playing in his first game since March 20. It was great to see him back out there, even if his role is limited.
Pelicans
Out — Brandon Ingram (left knee bone contusion)
Ingram hasn’t played since March 21. The Pelicans are hopeful that he’ll return for the season finale on Sunday, which is good news for the Warriors, too: New Orleans plays the Los Angeles Lakers in that game.
Out — Larry Nance Jr. (personal reasons)
As always, “personal reasons” means it’s time to break out the phrase: some things are bigger than basketball. Hopefully everything is okay with Nance and his family.
Out — Naji Marshall (left shoulder contusion)
Is it just me, or are there a lot more contusions this year than in past years? Marshall has played a fairly sizable role for the Pelicans this year, so his loss is notable: the forward is averaging 19.0 minutes per game, and shooting 38.7% from three-point range.
Enjoy the game, Dub Nation!