The Warriors injury report ruled multiple players out, while suggested one youngster could return.
The Golden State Warriors will be without guard Brandin Podziemski in Monday night’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, per the team’s injury report on Sunday. Podziemski left Saturday’s victory over the Suns with an abdominal injury and he remains out with left abdominal tightness. Gary Payton II remains out with a left calf strain. In more optimistic news, Moses Moody is probable to play. Moody has been limited by knee soreness throughout the season.
Podziemski has failed to take the next step so far this season after a promising rookie season. Last year, Podziemski appeared in 74 games (28 starts) and averaged 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 26.6 minutes per game. The lefty left room for improvement at the free-throw line (63.3%), but made 38.5% of his three-point attempts. So far this season, he has seen his role decline while averaging 8.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 32 assists in24.2 minutes per game on rough 40.4%/29.5%/73.3% shooting splits.
Moody always faced an uphill battle to a sizable role this season, but the Warriors showed their confidence in his long-term development by signing him to a three-year, $39 million extension prior to the season. He has appeared in 25 games (four starts), averaging 7.4 points in 15.7 minutes per game while shooting 50.0% from two and 35.2% from three.
Payton has been his usual dominant defensive force when on the floor, but health and his offensive limitations have kept him from a more sizable role. He is averaging just 13.1 minutes per game largely thanks to his abysmal 15.6% three-point shooting percentage.
The Warriors will host the Cavs at the Chase Center on Monday night, with opening tip scheduled for 7:00 pm Pacific.
