Curry, Butler, Sabonis, LaVine Miss GS vs. SAC Match
The Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings face significant player absences in their upcoming matchup on Wednesday night. The Warriors will notably be without key players Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler III, while the Kings will miss Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine.
Player Updates and Injuries
Stephen Curry, the Warriors’ star guard, has been ruled out due to a worsening cold. He remains in San Francisco for recovery. Meanwhile, Jimmy Butler suffered back soreness that prevented him from completing the second half of the previous game against the Suns. Despite receiving continuous treatment, he will also not be available for this game.
From the Kings’ roster, Domantas Sabonis is sidelined with a rib injury sustained during a matchup against the Denver Nuggets. Additionally, Zach LaVine is battling a back issue that keeps him off the court.
Coaching Perspective on Injuries
Warriors coach Steve Kerr expressed concern regarding the toll that a demanding schedule has taken on the players. He referred to the physical state of Curry, Butler, and Draymond Green—who is also ruled out due to a rib contusion—as “wiped out.” The team has faced a condensed schedule, with three back-to-back games in the opening month.
- Upcoming Game: Warriors vs. Kings
- Curry: Cold, ruled out
- Butler: Back soreness, ruled out
- Sabonis: Rib injury, ruled out
- LaVine: Back issue, ruled out
- Green: Rib contusion, ruled out
Kerr highlighted the challenges posed by the current NBA schedule, indicating that the team will play 15 games in a span of just 26 days, across 10 cities. This rigorous format has prompted discussions around load management, particularly for the team’s veteran players, including Curry and Green, who are in their mid-30s.
Looking Ahead
The Warriors’ upcoming slate features eight of the next nine games on the road. To mitigate injury risks, the coaching staff is prioritizing rest for their older players under the guidance of performance staff leader Rick Celebrini. Kerr acknowledged the ongoing debates surrounding load management but expressed skepticism about potential solutions, emphasizing the need to reconsider the length of the season itself.
The absence of these key players may significantly impact both teams as they navigate an evolving NBA landscape.
