While the spotlight remains on Stephen Curry’s ongoing “runner’s knee” problem, which is set to sideline the two-time MVP for at least 20 games, the Golden State Warriors are grappling with yet another devastating blow to a crucial player—one they absolutely couldn’t afford at this critical juncture.
The team has officially ruled out Moses Moody for Friday’s home clash against the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves. This marks the fifth consecutive game the fifth-year wing will miss after sustaining a wrist sprain in the Warriors’ 114-101 defeat to the L.A. Clippers earlier this month.
Moody’s wrist injury only compounds the Warriors’ mounting frustrations, especially amid a season already plagued by injury woes. The 23-year-old had emerged as one of the team’s standout performers and a bright spot following Jimmy Butler’s season-ending torn ACL.
Moody had finally found the consistency that eluded him earlier in his career, delivering double-digit scoring in 20 of his last 21 games, including five outings with 20 or more points.
From January 12 onward, Moody averaged an impressive 15.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and nearly one steal per game, while shooting 49.8% from the field and a scorching 45.2% from beyond the arc on 7.5 attempts per contest.
At Thursday’s practice, Moody was observed handling everything with his left hand, casting significant doubt on the return timeline for the former No. 14 overall pick. With just 17 games remaining in the regular season, the Warriors continue to slide down the standings.
Embed X: https://twitter.com/DaltonJ_Johnson/status/2032167375282585906
This season, Moody has posted career highs across the board: 11.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.9 steals, and a 40.2% three-point shooting percentage. He was solidifying his role as a legitimate starter on a squad that had the potential to contend in the Western Conference—until injuries shattered those aspirations for both the team and Moody himself.
On a slightly brighter note, the Warriors are beginning to regain some health overall. For Friday’s game against the Timberwolves, only Moody, Curry, and Butler are confirmed absences—though that’s still three pivotal players out of the lineup.
De’Anthony Melton is listed as questionable with an adductor issue, and Quinten Post is also questionable due to a foot problem. However, Kristaps Porzingis and Seth Curry have both been cleared to return, having made just three appearances each for Golden State so far.
The Warriors will head into the matchup as underdogs against the sixth-seeded Timberwolves, before hitting the road for a challenging six-game trip that kicks off in New York on Sunday.