The Golden State Warriors could be severely shorthanded for Sunday’s rescheduled game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center – the first of a rare back-to-back (Sunday and Monday). Saturday’s original matchup was postponed due to tragic unrest in Minneapolis (fatal shooting of an ICU nurse by a federal agent), leading to safety concerns and the quick reschedule.
Heavy Injury Report Ahead of Make-Up Game
- Stephen Curry – questionable (right knee soreness). Curry just scored 38 points (8 threes) in 34 minutes during Thursday’s 123-115 loss to the Dallas Mavericks and looked fine. The late addition raises questions: precautionary load management for the back-to-back road games, or a real issue? If Curry sits, Warriors lose their offensive engine (27.4 PPG, league-leading 4.6 3PT/game).
- De’Anthony Melton – questionable (rest). Melton is only 20 games into ACL recovery – resting him on the front end of back-to-back is prudent.
- Al Horford – questionable (left toe injury management). Horford (39) hasn’t played back-to-backs all season – high chance he sits to preserve health.
Warriors Already Thin Beyond these three, the team is missing:
- Jonathan Kuminga (left knee/ankle soreness from Thursday vs. Mavericks – MRI Friday, initial tests not serious).
- Jimmy Butler (season-ending ACL).
- Seth Curry (sciatic nerve).
If Curry, Melton, and Horford all sit (or are limited), Golden State could be missing half their rotation against a tough Timberwolves team (on a four-game losing streak but with elite defense and Anthony Edwards). Warriors (25-21) are also on a two-game skid and desperately need wins to hold playoff positioning in the West.
Curry Still Elite – But Pressure Mounts Curry is performing at a high level (27.4 PPG, tops NBA in threes), and any absence would be costly. Missing Sunday would mark his 11th game out this season – just seven more and he’d lose All-NBA eligibility. Still, The Athletic’s Sam Amick dismissed trade rumors (Curry free agent 2027):
“Steph has never sent any signals that he has any intention of anything other than finishing with the Warriors. He still has good relationships with Joe Lacob, Mike Dunleavy and the coaching staff. He still has a level of belief in them.”
Big Picture Warriors are buyers before Feb. 5 deadline, but major moves unlikely to return them to title contention. Sunday and Monday vs. Timberwolves are pivotal – wins would stabilize them, but injuries could derail hopes.
Warriors Nation – do you think Curry plays Sunday, or does Kerr rest him? Drop your thoughts below! Skol Warriors!