Brandon Williams was cleared on the Warriors' injury report Wednesday night, moving up from day-to-day. The Warriors face the Heat on Thursday at 10:00 PM ET and have four players listed out.
What happened
Brandon Williams was listed as cleared on the Warriors' injury report at 8:05 PM ET on Wednesday, Nov 4. His previous status was day-to-day. The report gave no detail and no comment with the change. His timeline has moved quickly. On Monday, Nov 2, he was listed day-to-day and then out with a left quadriceps issue. On Tuesday, Nov 3, he moved back to day-to-day. Earlier, he was day-to-day with a back issue on Oct 25 and cleared on Oct 27. No return date applies now that he is cleared.
What it means for the Warriors
Golden State plays the Heat on Thursday, Nov 5, at 10:00 PM ET on NBA TV. The Warriors are 5-3, the seventh seed, and have won five straight. Williams gives them a guard off the bench who averages 11.6 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 17.4 minutes over seven games. The Warriors are 4-3 with him and 1-0 without him. In their box scores without him, Brandin Podziemski played 33.5 minutes, Yaxel Lendeborg 31.9 and Stephen Curry 28.8. Gui Santos, Jimmy Butler III, Kristaps Porzingis and Moses Moody are all listed out, so Williams adds depth.
What to watch
The next injury report will show whether Williams stays clear for the Heat game. The Warriors have not announced any restriction on his minutes. Watch how his workload compares with his 17.4-minute average after the quadriceps issue. Also watch whether Santos, Butler, Porzingis or Moody change status, since four players are listed out. Golden State puts a five-game winning streak on the line against Miami on Thursday night.
Is Brandon Williams playing vs the Heat?
He was cleared on the injury report Wednesday night, and no restriction has been announced. The Warriors play the Heat on Thursday, Nov 5, at 10:00 PM ET.
When will Brandon Williams be back?
He is cleared, so no return date is needed. The injury report lists his expected return as not announced.