When the Golden State Warriors return to Chase Center after a five-game road swing, the second unit will be without a key contributor.
According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, Damion Lee is entering the NBA’s health and safety protocol before Golden State’s contest with the Denver Nuggets on Friday night. Lee’s absence from the Warriors’ rotation is expected to miss 10-14 days, per Slater. Over the next two weeks, the Warriors are slated to play eight games.
Via @anthonyVslater on Twitter:
Sources: Warriors forward Damion Lee is entering the league's health and safety protocols for what's expected to be a 10-14 day absence. Lee has been a huge help lately for an already thin rotation.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) April 22, 2021
Following the reports about entering the health and safety protocol, Lee chimed in on Twitter, stating he’s received the COVID-19 vaccine and has been practicing proper safety protocols.
Via @Dami0nLee on Twitter:
…. And for those wondering, I did get the vaccine and continued to practice the proper safety protocols. 🤷🏽♂️
Y’all be blessed and safe out here! 🤞🏽🙏🏽
— Damion Lee (@Dami0nLee) April 23, 2021
Before entering the league’s health and safety protocol, Lee missed the final game of Golden State’s road trip against the Washington Wizards on Wednesday due to a foot injury after being stepped on by Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid.
Lee is coming off a 12 point performance on 5-of-6 shooting from the floor with six rebounds to lead Golden State’s second unit against the Philadelphia 76ers. The reserve guard is averaging 6.5 points on 46.7% shooting from the floor with 3.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 18.9 minutes per contest.
Without Lee, Jordan Poole will likely receive a more significant role off the bench for the Warriors. Against the Wizards, Poole tallied 22 points on 7-of-16 shooting from the floor in 25 minutes off the bench.
