Looks like the Warriors have to play small-ball for a bit longer.
Rookie center James Wiseman was in Texas for the Warriors’ four-game road trip, but didn’t see the floor due to his sprained wrist. That won’t change as Golden State prepares for a visit from the Magic on Thursday and a primetime game against the Nets on Saturday.
Coach Steve Kerr deemed Wiseman out for Thursday’s game, though the rookie will have his left wrist evaluated that day, per Anthony Slater of The Athletic.
And regarding Saturday’s game against former Warrior Kevin Durant and the Nets, Kerr said on San Francisco’s 95.7 The Game that Wiseman was “doubtful” to play. Here’s his comment, courtesy of Alex Espinoza of NBC Sports Bay Area.
“Doubtful against the Nets,” Kerr said. “He’ll be re-evaluated tomorrow. We’ll see what the doctor says. I doubt he plays anytime in the next few days. It’s all up to the specialist that he’s going to see tomorrow.”
95.7 The Game/NBC Sports
With Wiseman’s fellow center Kevon Looney out with a sprained ankle, forward Draymond Green started at center for the Warriors for four games against the Mavericks and Spurs. The club went 2-2, but it needs Wiseman back as soon as possible so he can add his much needed 7-foot-plus frame to the mix.
Looney had just taken Wiseman’s starting spot when they each got injured within a game of one another, and Kerr was exploring how to best use each player in the pivot. They’ll have to start that process over when they both return, but it’s a challenge Kerr will welcome.
In the meantime, it’s more Green at center, doing his part to help free guard Stephen Curry for shots. Small-ball often makes for entertaining ballgames, and those two vets and the rest of the club have to win that way for at least two more contests, starting Thursday night against the Magic at Chase Center.
(Photo credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports)
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