SAN FRANCISCO – The Warriors will likely be without two of their regular starters for their preseason finale. Jimmy Butler has been dealing with an ankle injury for the past week, missing two games.
Coach Steve Kerr said that Butler is highly doubtful for the game against the Clippers at Chase Center on Friday, but should be available next week in Los Angeles for the season opener against the Lakers.
“He didn’t practice today, but I really feel good about Tuesday,” Kerr said. “He’s getting work in, but we didn’t want to play him tomorrow after three days of inactivity, so he’ll ramp it up the next few days.”
Injuries are nothing new for Butler, who has not played more than 70 games in a season since he was a member of the Bulls in 2016-17.
Meanwhile, starting small forward Moses Moody was ruled out of the Clippers matchup and is expected to miss time after that with a calf injury. Moody also sat out Tuesday’s game at Portland.
“He hasn’t practiced yet, and we’re hoping that he gets on the floor, maybe Sunday or Monday,” Kerr said, “but without enough ramp-up time, he’s doubtful for the opener.”
Their absence should result in more playing time for rookie second-rounder Will Richard, who impressed in a start on Tuesday in Portland.
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The Florida product, who was picked No. 56 overall in the draft, scored 13 points and looked comfortable playing off Steph Curry and the rest of the veterans.
“He’s been stepping up in the preseason, and I know that Steve is not going to be afraid to put him in early this year,” guard Gary Payton II said. “He’s going to have his chance.”
Payton added that improving the team’s spacing remains a priority as the Warriors continue to integrate Al Horford into the lineup.
“We need to continue to stay spaced, and get to our spots and play out of the space that we have,” Payton said. “This group’s IQ level is pretty high and are pretty good at playing basketball the right way. So if we can continue to keep the spacing and just swing the ball and make the right plays, I think we’ll be alright.”
