With James Wiseman, Kevon Looney and Eric Paschall in the NBA’s health and safety protocol and Steph Curry out with a tailbone contusion, the Golden State Warriors will feature a thin rotation on Saturday night against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Despite only playing five minutes on the season, Alen Smailagic will get the start in place of Looney on Saturday in Memphis. With a significantly depleted frontcourt, the second-year pick will get his first career NBA start.
Via @anthonyVslater on Twitter:
The Warriors are starting Alen Smailagic in Kevon Looney's place at center tonight.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) March 20, 2021
After the All-Star break, Smailagic rejoined the Warriors following a stint in Orlando’s G League bubble. Over 10 games with the Santa Cruz Warriors, the Serbian averaged 7.5 points on 51.7% shooting from the floor with 4.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists in 17 minutes per contest.
In his first NBA start, Smailagic will be in line for a tough battle down low with Jonas Valanciunas. The veteran big is averaging 15.8 points on 55.7% shooting from the field with 12 boards per contest for the Grizzlies.
The Warriors are slated to close the second game of a two-game road series against the Grizzlies at 5 p.m. PT on Saturday.
