To cap off the second leg of a road back-to-back, the Golden State Warriors will be without a trio of key players against the leaders of the Eastern Conference.
On Friday, the Warriors have ruled out Klay Thompson (rest), Gary Payton II (back) and Draymond Green (calf) against the Chicago Bulls.
After recently making his long-awaited return from injury, Thompson will be rested on the second night of a back-to-back. The 31-year-old has played three consecutive games since returning to the court from a knee and Achilles injury.
Via @EvanWebeck on Twitter:
No surprises on #Warriors injury report tonight in Chicago. Klay Thompson won’t play second night of back to back. Steph Curry will play. Gary Payton (lower back tightness) is out.
— Evan Webeck (@EvanWebeck) January 14, 2022
Green has now missed all three games on Golden State’s road swing with calf tightness after leaving Sunday’s contest against the Cleveland Cavaliers following the opening tip.
Payton II left last night’s blowout loss against the Milwaukee Bucks with a back injury. Prior to leaving the contest, Payton II earned the start in a small-ball lineup for Steve Kerr.
With three key pieces out against the Bulls, Kerr will have to lean on Steph Curry, Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins against Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan.
Otto Porter Jr., Andre Iguodala, Damion Lee and Jonathan Kuminga could see an increased roll on Friday night against the Bulls.
Tipoff is set for 4:30 p.m. PT in Chicago on Friday.
This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
