Injuries have pillaged their way up and down the Warriors roster with the latest hit coming to Glenn Robinson III.
Robinson is having a career season with the Warriors; however, it will be put on hold as he’s ruled out against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night. Robinson rolled his ankle in practice over the weekend.
Robinson has been a workhorse for the Warriors in 2019, starting and playing in all 30 games for Golden State this season. Robinson’s averaging 11.6 points per game and 4.7 rebounds— almost double his career mark.
Steve Kerr told reporters before the Warriors holme tilt against the T-Wolves that he doesn’t expect Robinson to be out long.
Steve Kerr on Glenn Robinson: “He’ll sit tonight and my guess is that he’ll play Christmas.”
Robinson rolled his ankle yesterday at practice.
— Logan Murdock (@loganmmurdock) December 24, 2019
In place of Robinson III, the Warriors made the move to recall both Ky Bowman and Alen Smailagic. Bowman, an undrafted free-agent on a two-way contract, was steady piece through the start of the Warriors season but has been down in the G League while the big club has been healthy.
Bowman’s started five games in G League Santa Cruz, averaging close to a triple-double; 15.6 points, 7.4 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game.
Smailagic was injured to start the season and has yet to make his NBA debut. Still, he’s making so much noise in Santa Cruz; the Warriors may have no other option than to play the Serbian 19-year old.
Smailagic was named to the G League Showcase first-team over the weekend, and has been on a tear with the Santa Cruz “Sea Dubs.” The Serbian teenager has scored 24 points or more in three of his last four games. Smailagic, a near 7-footer, has sunk 13 three-pointers in that four-game span.
Kerr said Smailagic is doubtful to make the rotation against Minnesota, but could make his NBA debut soon.
Ky Bowman and Alen Smailagic (!) are active tonight. Smailagic could possibly make his NBA debut, though Steve Kerr explained Smiley will not be in the rotation.
— Kerith Burke (@KerithBurke) December 24, 2019
Although the Warriors will be without Robinson III, standout rookie Eric Paschall is slated to play after tweaking his knee in the Warriors game Friday night against the Pelicans. Paschall had an MRI on his knee Saturday that came back clean.
The Villanova product has been the bright spot in the Warriors down season, having him back on the floor against Minnesota will give him a chance to continue building his Rookie of the Year campaign.