In a down season with the sights set on the future, the Golden State Warriors are being cautious with how they use a set of forwards. Draymond Green will be held out (rest), and rookie Eric Paschall is doubtful (hip) when the team travels to Utah Friday night.
Green’s missed eight games this season with a finger and sore heel injury, but his day off in Utah is being classified as a veteran rest day. With the Warriors season getting out of hand after only 26 games, it’s not a surprise Golden State is easing back their former Defensive Player of the Year’s workload. The Warriors are coming off an overtime loss where the Michigan State Spartan product registered a triple-double in 39 minutes of play.
Earlier in the season, Golden State coach Steve Kerr mentioned Green would continue to get veteran rest days throughout the year.
As Green is missing the game against Utah for load management, Golden State’s breakout rookie, Paschall, is dealing with a nagging sore hip. Paschall didn’t play in the fourth quarter or overtime of the Warriors 124-122 loss to the New York Knicks.
After having a monster rookie season, Paschall’s only tallied five-points in each of his last two games as he’s dealt with his sore hip. Paschall’s carried a heavy scoring load for Golden State through 26-games, a day-off could be beneficial for the second-round pick’s development in the long-run.
Without Green and Paschall on the floor, Kevon Looney could see an increase in minutes, while Serbian rookie Alen Smailagic could make his NBA debut after being recalled from the Warriors G League affiliate earlier this week.
