Porzingis Cleared to Play, Warriors Plan Limited Minutes in Oklahoma City
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Golden State center Kristaps Porzingis has been medically cleared and is expected to suit up tonight against the Thunder in Oklahoma City, marking just his second game since being acquired from Atlanta at last month’s trade deadline.
Head coach Steve Kerr told reporters the 7-foot-3 big man will likely log 15–20 minutes. Porzingis has battled a lingering illness for most of the season and was upgraded to questionable after missing Thursday’s matchup in Houston.
“It’s great that he’s here and feeling well enough to be on the trip,” Kerr said earlier in the week.
Golden State traded for Porzingis to add scoring after Jimmy Butler was ruled out for the year with a torn ACL. The Latvian made his Warriors debut on February 19 in a loss to Boston, recording 12 points, one rebound, one assist and one block in 17 minutes.
Porzingis’ health concerns date to last season with Boston, when doctors diagnosed him with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Combined with other injuries, the condition limited him to 17 appearances for Atlanta before February’s deal.
Teammate Draymond Green said Porzingis has not faced pressure to rush back. “When a guy is hurt or sick, there is no one around here pressuring you,” Green noted. “You’ll get back when you can get back, and we know it.”
The Warriors’ injury report shows additional progress: guard DeAnthony Melton (knee) will miss tonight’s contest but is expected to return Monday in Utah, while Seth Curry (sciatic nerve) could be available Monday or Tuesday. Stephen Curry remains out with runner’s knee and will be reevaluated in the coming days.
Source: Hoops Rumors
