The Golden State Warriors are set to host the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday, despite struggling with a 1-4 record over their last five games and a slew of injury concerns. Notably, five key players are on the injury list, including Steph Curry and Jonathan Kuminga.
Curry is expected to be out for at least a week with a quad contusion sustained during a game against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday. This will be his fifth consecutive missed game, with the Warriors managing a 1-3 record in his absence.
Jonathan Kuminga, on the other hand, may return to the lineup after a seven-game absence due to bilateral knee patellar tendonitis. He is listed as questionable and will likely be a game-time decision. Kuminga practiced on Friday, indicating a potential lean towards playing.
Gary Payton II is probable to play after suffering an ankle sprain in Wednesday’s loss to the Rockets. He exited the game after just five minutes but is expected to suit up on Saturday. Al Horford will miss his third consecutive game due to right sciatic nerve irritation and is expected to be out for at least a week. De’Anthony Melton will also remain sidelined as he continues to recover from ACL surgery, despite practicing on Wednesday.
The New Orleans Pelicans vs. Golden State Warriors game will be nationally televised on NBA TV, with local coverage on GCSEN and NBC Sports Bay Area. Fans in the US can stream the game online via Fubo, while international viewers can catch the action on NBA League Pass. The game is scheduled to start at 8:30 p.m. ET at Chase Center, with the Warriors favored by eight points despite their injury woes.
The Pelicans, with a 3-16 record, are in a tougher spot than the 10-10 Warriors. The game promises to be an interesting matchup, with the Warriors looking to bounce back from their recent struggles and the Pelicans seeking to capitalize on their opponents’ injuries. With key players potentially returning to the lineup, the Warriors will aim to regain their momentum and secure a much-needed win.