Warriors Face Fresh Health Concerns as Porzingis Sits, Curry Nears Return
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The Golden State Warriors’ revolving injury door continued this weekend, with newly acquired center Kristaps Porzingis ruled out for Saturday night’s game in Atlanta because of lower-back soreness.
Porzingis, obtained from the Hawks on February 5, exited Friday’s contest in Detroit midway through the second quarter after absorbing contact from Pistons forward Paul Reed. The 7-foot-3 big man said his back “started to spasm” late in the opening period and tightened up as he tried to play through it. According to team figures, this is the fourth documented back issue of Porzingis’ NBA career. He has appeared in seven of Golden State’s 18 games since the trade.
While Porzingis rests, two-time MVP Stephen Curry is inching closer to action. Head coach Steve Kerr told reporters in Atlanta that Curry will participate in a Sunday morning scrimmage—his first five-on-five work since suffering a right runner’s knee injury on January 30. The club plans to re-evaluate Curry on Tuesday after returning to San Francisco.
Golden State listed six players as out and five as questionable for the matchup with the Hawks. Draymond Green, DeAnthony Melton and rookie wing Malevy Leons were later cleared to play.
Saturday’s game also marked forward Jonathan Kuminga’s first meeting with his former team since he was sent to Atlanta in the Porzingis deal. Hawks head coach Quin Snyder advised the 21-year-old to maintain his current approach. “Players get traded in this league. You can’t make it about you,” Snyder said, adding that Kuminga’s energy and defense have provided a noticeable lift regardless of his shot total.
The Warriors entered the night at 33-30, clinging to a play-in spot with 19 regular-season games remaining. Their next home game is Wednesday against Denver.
Source: Hoops Rumors
