The Warriors could face significant challenges without two key players. In their season opener against the Portland Trail Blazers, the Golden State Warriors had all 14 main roster players available, resulting in a dominant 139-104 victory.
Coach Steve Kerr confirmed post-game that he would maintain a 12-man rotation, though sustaining this will be difficult as injuries arise. This issue could start as soon as Friday against the Utah Jazz, with three players listed as questionable for the 7 PM PT matchup at Delta Center.
Three Warriors players are uncertain for the game against the Jazz. Star guard Stephen Curry is questionable due to a right hip contusion, along with veteran Draymond Green, who is dealing with a knee contusion. Additionally, De’Anthony Melton has a right chest contusion. Golden State will not use their three two-way players: Quinten Post, Reece Beekman, and Pat Spencer.
While the depth has created rotation challenges for Kerr, it becomes crucial as injuries impact the roster. There’s no replacing Curry’s offensive brilliance or Green’s defensive prowess, but the Warriors have enough depth to manage the absences effectively.
Curry logged 25 minutes against the Trail Blazers, nearing a triple-double with 17 points, nine rebounds, and 10 assists. Green played just over 20 minutes, contributing eight points, six rebounds, three assists, a steal, and two blocks. Melton had a strong debut, scoring 10 points with two rebounds and four assists.
The Jazz enter this matchup following a narrow two-point loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, where Ja Morant’s 22 points and 10 assists led the way to a 126-124 victory. Friday’s game holds added significance, as the Warriors actively pursued Lauri Markkanen before he re-signed with the Jazz.
Markkanen excelled in his season opener, scoring 35 points with nine rebounds on 9-of-15 shooting, including 4-of-7 from three-point range. The Warriors will aim to limit Markkanen’s impact while also exploiting the minutes when he’s off the floor, during which Utah struggled significantly.