Three Road Games Stand Between the Warriors and the Rematch That Counts
Golden State has a back-to-back and three straight road games to get through, and the real test comes back to Chase Center on October 30 against the Lakers.
The Warriors open at home against Memphis, play at Phoenix the next night, then go to Denver and Minnesota before the Lakers visit. Without Jimmy Butler III, Moses Moody and Kristaps Porzingis, the job is to reach that rematch with fresh legs and a better plan.
What does the calendar ask?
There are five games from October 23 to October 30. Memphis comes to Chase Center for the home opener, and the Suns game on NBA TV is the next night, the week's only back-to-back. After that there is a day off before each game: Denver on October 26 on Peacock/NBC Sports Network, Minnesota on October 28, and the Lakers on October 30 on Prime Video. The middle three are all on the road. Minnesota is 1-0 and sixth today, and the Warriors are a game behind it in tenth. A one-game gap in October means nothing. Tired legs and thin rotations add up faster.
Who carries the load?
Butler's right knee has an estimated return of January 2. Moody's left knee and Porzingis' illness both point to December 1. That takes away Butler's 20.0 points from last season and Moody's 40.1 percent from three, so defenses can crowd Stephen Curry, who scored 23 in the opener. Golden State of Mind reported that Brandin Podziemski is probable and Charles Bassey is ruled out again, with Bassey's estimated return set for the Phoenix game. Gui Santos is already up to 29.6 minutes a night over his last 10, compared with 20.5 for the season. Kerr is relying on wing size because he has no choice.
Memphis is a game to win, not a measuring stick
The Grizzlies went 25-57 last season with a net rating of minus 6.0. Cedric Coward's left wrist and Isaiah Stewart's left ankle both have them on Memphis' list, and the Grizzlies are the team traveling. A short-handed home team has to win this one before getting on a plane for a back-to-back.
Why the Lakers matter most
The 127-105 loss is still fresh, and a rookie has raised the stakes. Dalton Johnson posted official tracking numbers showing Doncic shot 1 of 5 with Yaxel Lendeborg as his primary defender. ESPN then reported that Lendeborg said he had lost all respect for Doncic. Phoenix, Denver and Minnesota are about getting through the road trip. The game on October 30 will show whether Kerr kept Curry, 38, and Draymond Green, 36, fresh enough to answer the Lakers.
When do the Warriors play the Lakers again?
October 30 at Chase Center, on Prime Video. Los Angeles won the season opener 127-105 on October 21.
Which Warriors are out this week?
Jimmy Butler III, Moses Moody and Kristaps Porzingis are all out, with estimated returns of January 2 for Butler and December 1 for the other two. Charles Bassey's estimated return is the Phoenix game on October 24, and Golden State of Mind reported Brandin Podziemski probable for the opener.
