Warriors Reveal 24th Unique Starting Lineup Against Suns
The Golden State Warriors are set to unveil their 24th unique starting lineup of the season in a matchup against the Suns. This marks a significant moment as the team adjusts following the recent trade deadline.
Starting Lineup Details
In this game, De’Anthony Melton will make his first start of the season. He will join Pat Spencer, who is expected to transition from a two-way contract to a standard contract soon. Other starters include Moses Moody, Gui Santos, and Draymond Green. The absence of Stephen Curry due to a knee injury continues to shape the team’s roster decisions.
Recent Trades and Team Status
Recently acquired Kristaps Porzingis is anticipated to make his Warriors debut shortly. He was traded for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield, two significant players for the team. Following the trade, the Warriors have only 13 players on standard contracts. Notably, Jimmy Butler is out for the season, and both Curry brothers are injured, limiting the available roster significantly.
- Total players available: 13
- Players out for the season: 1 (Jimmy Butler)
- Injured players: 2 (Stephen Curry, Seth Curry)
- Players ready to play: 9 (with Spencer starting despite his two-way contract)
Challenges Ahead for the Warriors
The Warriors are in a tight spot, particularly on the wings. With Moody standing at 6’5”, he is more naturally suited to the shooting guard position but will play small forward. Santos and Green are expected to handle most minutes at power forward. The absence of a true forward means the Warriors may rely heavily on three-guard lineups moving forward.
Performance Insight: Melton and Moody
Despite the challenges, numbers indicate that Melton and Moody work well together. Their collaboration has produced impressive statistics during shared playing time. According to data from Cleaning the Glass, the duo boasts a remarkable plus-22.8 net rating over 273 possessions. Even when accounting for Butler’s absence, they still maintain a plus-20 net rating over 151 possessions.
As the Warriors face off against the Suns, all eyes will be on the effectiveness of this newly assembled starting lineup. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how these changes impact the team’s performance on the court.
