The Golden State Warriors are finally getting their major firepower back. Steph Curry, Draymond Green, Brandin Podziemski, and Al Horford are all off the injury report and available for tonight’s Game No. 4 showdown against Nikola Jokić and the Denver Nuggets. This is huge, especially after all four players sat out Saturday’s loss to the Phoenix Suns, leaving the Dubs still searching for their first W of the season. They’re 0-3 and heading on the road, so getting these reinforcements is absolutely critical.
Warriors Need Their Stars to Turn the Tide
It’s been a rough start, plain and simple. Sitting Curry and Green on Saturday was a move, but now it’s time to get this season on track. Having these guys back on the floor against a superstar like Jokić isn’t just good news, it’s essential. Their presence changes the entire dynamic. The team needs to grab that first victory, and having their core back in action gives them the best shot.
But while the stars are back, the Warriors’ injury list still has some significant names. Kristaps Porziņģis is still “not with team,” and honestly, it feels like we might have seen the last of him in a Warriors jersey. No updates, nothing. Jimmy Butler III is out for at least a few more months after right ACL repair surgery, and Moses Moody is in the same boat, recovering from left patellar tendon repair surgery. It’s a long road back for those guys. On the brighter side, Gui Santos (left knee tendinitis), Charles Bassey (right patellar tendinopathy), and Brandon Williams (left low back soreness) are all available. Bassey and Williams actually played quite well on Saturday, proving they can contribute even if they aren’t 100%.
Nuggets Not Without Their Own Injury Woes
It’s not just the Warriors dealing with a banged-up roster. The Nuggets have their own share of guys sidelined. Julian Strawther, the 29th pick in 2023 who was expected to play a big role this year, is out until early December with a left knee sprain suffered back in camp. Spencer Jones, who had a breakout second season last year, is dealing with bilateral hamstring injury management and has yet to make his season debut. He should be back on the court soon, though. And a unique one: Alpha Diallo, a 29-year-old rookie, is out with a right wrist sprain and personal reasons. You don’t see that combo too often, so hopefully, everything is alright with him.
The biggest question mark for Denver is Cameron Johnson. He’s listed as doubtful with a right ankle sprain. Johnson, who was traded from the Brooklyn Nets, is a quality shooter and one of Denver’s starting five. If he can’t go, that’s definitely a hit for the Nuggets.
Tonight’s game tips off at 7:00 p.m. PT on NBC Sports Bay Area. The Warriors desperately need to break this losing streak and get that first win against a tough opponent. Let’s see if the return of Curry and Green is enough to make it happen!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Golden State of Mind.
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