The Warriors’ best period of the season has come to an end after a shocking loss to a Nuggets side without Jokic and Murray. They’ve gone from 11th in the West to 6th, breathing down the neck of the ones above them. Denver was one of them, and they faltered when they needed to turn up. Stephen Curry and Co. have a similar task against the Bucks, but they might have to get it done without their leader.
Every game hereon becomes like a championship final. They’re just 1 game ahead of 7th placed Wolves. But Milawukee’s form has been up and down since the Warriors’ picked up, and they’re likely to be without main men Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. So who does Steve Kerr have ahead of the all-important clash?
Warriors injury report ahead of Bucks clash
The Chef’s cooking was not up to its Michelin star standards against the Nuggets. His box numbers were quite decent- with 20 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 steals across 36 minutes. But if you’re classed as the best shooter of all time, shooting 28.6% from the field is beyond mortifying. He mentioned that he’d been dealing with a back problem since their win over the Kings on Friday. Even Kerr touched on him being exhausted and tired after his performances after the All-Star break. Due to that, Steph’s put on a day-to-day status for the Bucks clash.
“He’s exhausted right now. We’ve gotta absolutely consider giving him a night and getting him rejuvenated for the sake of him and the remainder of our games, but we’ll see. I think he’s been tired the last few games, so we’ve got to find a way to get him his juice back,” said Kerr in the post-game press. It’s highly likely they pin their hopes on the likes of Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green- giving Curry a much needed rest to be 100% fit for the backend run-in.
The last time Dub Nation faced off against the Bucks, Steph shined. He led the team with 38 points, 6 boards, and 4 assists in a 125-111 win. So his potential absence will be massive.
Feb 12, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler (10) and guard Stephen Curry (30) during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Meanwhile, shooting guard Brandin Podziemski is the only other one on their injury report. He played just 1 minute against the Nets before signalling the bench of a back discomfort. He was taken to the locker rooms not to return for the next 5 games. At the moment, he’s out for the game. But ESPN does report that he might feature at the Chase Center tonight.
Warriors predicted lineup ahead of Bucks clash
New joinee Jimmy Butler took it to the chin when talking about the increased pressure to Stephen Curry. “That’s on myself and that’s on us as a unit to pick up the slack for him. He’s our leader and we must protect him at all times,” said Buckets after the Warriors‘ loss to the Nuggets. He’ll be looking for redemption after a quiet few games. That being said, this is the Warriors’ predicted lineup for tonight’s game:
Point Guard
Stephen Curry (day-to-day)
Shooting Guard
Gary Payton II
Power Forward
Jonathan Kuminga
Small Forward
Jimmy Butler III
Center
Draymond Green
All eyes will be on the Chase Center tonight. It’s a must win for both teams as they look to cement a playoffs spot in their respective divisions. But both teams might have to do it without their main men, as Giannis himself is probable and Stephen Curry is in need of some rest. Who do you think will win?
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