Will the Dubs be able to manufacture a win without their best player?
The Golden State Warriors will face an uphill battle on Wednesday night to stop their first losing streak of the season. After a new injury popped up on the injury report earlier this week, the Warriors have ruled superstar point guard Steph Curry out for Wednesday night’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder with a knee injury. The news was first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The Dubs are 3-0 so far this season when playing without the face of their franchise. However, they have faced far weaker (or heavily shorthanded) opponents than they are slated to square off against this evening. While the Warriors have generally been able to win with strong all-around defensive efforts, their offensive production has unsurprisingly taken a massive step back when Curry has been off the floor. Add in the Thunder’s elite defense and dynamic defender De’Anthony Melton’s absence, and you have a particularly rough matchup.
In 14 games this season, Curry is averaging 22.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 1.6 steals in just under 30 minutes per game. In his absence, Dubs head coach Steve Kerr will likely lean most heavily on Buddy Hield, Andrew Wiggins, and Jonathan Kuminga to increase their scoring. Granted, there will likely be more room for players like Brandin Podziemski, Lindy Waters III, or Moses Moody to capitalize on an expanded role if they seize on their opportunities as well.
The Warriors will at least have home-court advantage on their side tonight. Opening tip-off against the 13-4 Thunder is scheduled for 7:00 PM Pacific at Chase Center.