The Golden State Warriors begin a five-game road trip against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night. They are currently on an eight-game winning streak and find themselves 8-3 for the season after losing the first three games of the campaign.
Stephen Curry has been on a tear recently and is currently averaging 30.6 points per game. Meanwhile, the Rockets also have a similar 8-3 record this campaign and come into this game after a 110-100 win over the Denver Nuggets. Both teams have multiple injury concerns, although the biggest surprise comes in the form of Will Richard, who is only listed as questionable for this game despite suffering a left thumb UCL tear in the overtime win over the Orlando Magic, per the official injury report.
However, the likes of Jimmy Butler III, Moses Moody, Gary Payton II, Brandon Williams and Kristaps Porzingis have all been ruled out for this game. Meanwhile, Houston will continue to remain shallow as far as center depth is concerned, and come into this game with Steven Adams and Clint Capela both listed as out.
Julian Phillips and Quadir Copeland are also missing for this game due to G League commitments.
Will Richard's injury status vs. Rockets
Will Richard is officially listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against Houston after suffering a left thumb UCL tear. The designation leaves his availability uncertain heading into the Warriors' first matchup of the season against the Rockets.
Still, a UCL injury typically leads to a longer recuperation period, and Richard has undoubtedly returned to contention quicker than most would have expected. His status is likely to be a game-time decision.
Regardless, Golden State has been on a roll of late and come into this game after a 138-87 demolition of the New Orleans Pelicans. Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski and Yaxel Lendeborg each scored at least 23 points, combining for 73, while the Warriors recorded 37 assists on 50 made field goals.
Still, the Rockets can be expected to be a sterner test. Kevin Durant is going at 21 points per game despite attempting just 12.3 shots on average. Alperen Sengun has been his team’s leading scorer, averaging 21.3 points per game, while Jabari Smith Jr. is scoring 17.3 points per game.
Durant returned with almost a triple-double from the Nuggets clash, with 23 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds, and is likely to prove critical against an in-form Warriors.
Golden State Warriors injury report
Jimmy Butler III (Right ACL repair/surgery): OUT
Moses Moody (Left patellar tendon repair/surgery): OUT
Gary Payton II (Left knee inflammation): OUT
Kristaps Porzingis (Not with team): OUT
Will Richard (Left thumb UCL tear): QUESTIONABLE
Brandon Williams (Left hamstring strain): OUT
Article Continues BelowHouston Rockets injury report
Steven Adams (Right soleus strain): OUT
Clint Capela (Right ankle sprain): OUT
Quadir Copeland (G League assignment, two-way): OUT
Julian Phillips (G League assignment, two-way): OUT