While the basketball world is waiting on a healthy recovery from Stephen Curry, the Golden State Warriors are dealing with other injuries on their roster.
Marquese Chriss missed the Warriors contest against the New Orleans Pelicans with a calf injury, yet was able to return against the Sacramento Kings. Draymond Green was absent for the past two games with a pelvic contusion, but is scheduled to play against the Los Angeles Lakers.
However, as Green and Chriss return, the Warriors will lose a different starter due to injury.
Andrew Wiggins will miss his first game as a member of the Warriors with upper back spasms.
Before the trade deadline with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Wiggins missed eight games this season due to a thumb injury and an illness.
However, the Kansas Jayhawk product hasn’t missed many games since being drafted first overall in 2014. Leading up to the 2019-20 season, Wiggins has played over 80 games four times in his career.
Without Wiggins, the Warriors will start Dragan Bender alongside Green, Chriss, Jordan Poole and Damion Lee.
In two games with Golden State, Bender has totaled six points, 10 rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block. The Croatian forward has shot 2-of-7 from beyond the arc with the Warriors.
The 22-year-old began the 2019-20 season with the Milwaukee Bucks and did not make a start. Bender hasn’t started a game since he was a member of the Phoenix Suns in 2019.
On a 10-day contract, an opportunity to start could have an impact on Bender’s future with the Warriors.
