The Warriors are expected to miss their starting backcourt Saturday when they host the Suns in the second night of a back‑to‑back, NBC Bay Area’s Kevin Topley reports.
Brandin Podziemski aggravated a back issue in Friday’s loss to Memphis. After sitting out the Lakers opener, he logged 33 minutes and dropped 18 points. Stephen Curry, who poured in 24 points in 30 minutes, hinted he’ll probably sit out Saturday as well.
If they’re both unavailable, De’Anthony Melton and Gary Payton II will likely shoulder the majority of the guard minutes.
Here’s the latest on Golden State:
- Golden State surrendered 17 straight points in the final four minutes of a 111‑108 defeat to Memphis. Coach Steve Kerr lamented, “Eight different things had to happen; miss one and we win.” He even drew a technical, accusing the visitors of flopping on multiple screens. In my view, the team’s lack of discipline cost them dearly.
- Al Horford told Fadeawayworld.net’s Mark Medina that losing Kristaps Porzingis indefinitely poses a major challenge. “I have to step up, Draymond must step up, and our younger guys like Graham Ike and Charles Bassey will get more chances,” he said. “We’ve all had to fill gaps before, and this is no different.”
- Don’t expect Yaxel Lende borg to curb his trash talk. The rookie, who sparred verbally with Luka Doncic in the opener, says he’ll keep speaking his mind. “I’ll say what I want, he’ll say what he wants,” he told NBC Bay Area. “I’m not scared of anyone; it’s just fun banter.” Will his outspoken style spark chemistry or cause distractions?