SAN FRANCISCO — Steve Kerr’s preseason game of Warriors roster roulette continues, partly out of curiosity but also out of necessity.
Here is an update delivered by the coach Monday:
Podz breaks nose
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Second-year guard Brandin Podziemski, who leads the Warriors in minutes played during the preseason, sustained a broken nose Sunday and will not play Tuesday against the Los Angeles Lakers in Las Vegas.
The injury occurred in the third quarter of Golden State’s 111-93 romp over the Detroit Pistons at Chase Center. Podziemski took an inadvertent elbow from teammate Trayce Jackson-Davis, left the game and did not return. He is being fitted for a mask.
“He led the league in charges drawn last year for a reason,” Kerr said. “He literally sticks his nose in there. He’s just a physically tough player. He said he’s not worried. The mask thing, that takes some adjusting, to play with a mask. We’ll see how it goes, but he’s not afraid of anything. He’ll be out there as soon as [the medical staff] allows him to be.”
Brandin Podziemski sustained a broken nose last night, per Steve Kerr.
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) October 14, 2024
Podz took a Trayce Jackson-Davis elbow to the face in the third quarter and left the game a few moments later. pic.twitter.com/FYDCtXuVpX
Golden State Warriors
Podziemski seemed unconcerned, noting this is his second broken nose, the first sustained two years ago during his time at Santa Clara University.
“I had to wear a mask before, so I know what it’s like,” Podziemski said. “Should be here by Wednesday, so I should be ready to go on Friday.
Wiggins ready to go
Veteran wing Andrew Wiggins is projected to make his first appearance this preseason Tuesday and likely will be in the starting lineup.
“He’s going to have some catching up to do,” Kerr said. “The other guys are just starting to connect with what we’re putting it and implementing. He’s going to be a week behind them. Even though he’s been watching, it’s different when you have to feel it.”
Wiggins, the only certified rotation player yet to take the court, will be restricted to 15 to 20 minutes, according to Kerr.
Wiggins spent the first week of training camp in Hawaii dealing with a respiratory illness. He began isolated practices late last week and progressed to scrimmaging Sunday. He fully practiced Monday.
Leaders back vs. Lakers
Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, neither of whom played Sunday, are expected to return to the starting lineup against the Lakers.
Curry sustained a jammed right index finger Friday against the Sacramento Kings. He left the game in the second quarter and did not return. He was held out Sunday as a precaution, said Kerr, who added Curry was going to miss at least one preseason game out of accomplished veteran courtesy.
Green’s absence Sunday was not related to illness or injury. Like Curry, he also is afforded accomplished veteran courtesy.
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