The Golden State Warriors will be shorthanded on Monday night when they host the Miami Heat at Chase Center, but they still enter the matchup riding strong momentum.
Here are the latest injury and lineup updates ahead of the game:
Warriors Injury & Rest Report
De’Anthony Melton
De’Anthony Melton is officially OUT due to left knee injury management. Melton is being rested on the front end of this back-to-back as part of Golden State’s careful plan to protect him following last season’s ACL surgery on his left knee.
The 27-year-old has been in excellent form lately, averaging 17.2 points on 52.8% FG and 43.2% 3PT over his last six games (including a team-high 24 points in Saturday’s win). His absence leaves a noticeable hole in the bench scoring and defense, with Brandin Podziemski, Gary Payton II, and rookie Will Richard expected to pick up the slack.
Gui Santos will miss his second consecutive game with a lingering left ankle sprain.Seth Curry remains out with left sciatic issues.Draymond Green (right ankle) is listed as probable.Al Horford will play against Miami on Monday but is expected to be rested for Tuesday’s game against the Toronto Raptors (a common plan for the 39-year-old on back-to-backs).
Heat Injury Report
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Tyler Herro is OUT with a right rib contusion.Jimmy Butler is NOT on the injury report and is expected to return after missing Saturday’s win over the Charlotte Hornets due to personal reasons. This will be Butler’s second game against his former team since the blockbuster trade last February — and the motivation is sky-high after Miami’s dominant 112-86 win in March last year (when Butler was held to just 11 points).
Why This Game Matters
The Warriors are coming off a hot offensive stretch, becoming the first team in NBA history to have at least 10 players make a three-pointer in three consecutive games and setting a franchise record with 20+ threes in three straight contests. Over the last two weeks, Golden State has the best offensive efficiency in the league (per Cleaning the Glass). Interestingly, Stephen Curry has been quieter lately (16.0 PPG, 32.0% 3PT in the last three games), with role players stepping up big.
Defenses are loading up on Curry, leaving shooters open — and the Warriors are finally punishing them.Miami (22-20, 8th in East) is dangerous even without Herro. They just upset the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder 122-120 on Saturday (with Andrew Wiggins hitting the game-winning three). Norman Powell leads them in scoring (23.8 PPG), with Bam Adebayo (17.4 PPG), Jaime Jaquez Jr. (15.9 PPG), and Wiggins (15.8 PPG) providing balance.
Key Storylines to Watch
Jimmy Butler
Can the Warriors’ bench and role players (Podziemski, Moody, etc.) fill the void left by Melton on night one of the back-to-back?Will Jimmy Butler turn in a monster revenge performance against his former team?Can Golden State continue its historic shooting barrage at home?
Tip-off is Monday at 7 p.m. PT at Chase Center. This one has all the ingredients for drama, revenge, and high-level basketball.
Warriors Nation — buckle up. Even shorthanded, Golden State has the firepower to handle business at home. Let’s get this W!