In their preseason opener, the Golden State Warriors will be without one of their stars in the backcourt against the Washington Wizards on Friday morning in Japan.
Klay Thompson won’t make his preseason debut against the Wizards on Friday at Saitama Super Arena. The Warriors are being cautious with Thompson early in the preseason, ruling him out for both contests against the Wizards in Japan. Without Thompson, Jordan Poole will enter the starting lineup on Friday.
Via @anthonyVslater on Twitter:
No Klay Thompson in either Japan game. Steve Kerr said it’s about being cautious based off his two-year absence and this condensed early part of preseason. They want to ease him into action after the trip. Jordan Poole will start tonight.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) September 30, 2022
With Thompson out, Moses Moody, Donte DiVincenzo, Quinndary Weatherspoon and rookie Ryan Rollins could see an extended role in the backcourt against the Wizards on Friday morning.
After missing two seasons due to a pair of serious injuries, Thompson made his long-awaited return to the court in Jan. of last season. The veteran sharpshooter played 32 games on the way to the Warriors’ run to a title, averaging 20.4 points on 42.9% shooting from the field and 38.5% shooting from deep during the 2021-22 campaign.
Following Golden State’s pair of contests in Japan against the Wizards, the Warriors will return to the Bay Area for three preseason games at Chase Center in San Francisco.
The Warriors will then open the season on ring night at Chase Center against the Los Angeles Lakers on Oct. 18.
This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
