A tear of injuries has ravaged the Warriors roster from top-to-bottom, with the biggest hit coming to the backcourt. Injuries to Klay Thompson, Stephen Curry and D’Angelo Russell have made headlines, but even bench pieces like Damion Lee and Jacob Evans have missed extended time.
After leading the NBA in games missed due to injury all season long, help could finally be coming to the backcourt with the return of both Russell and Jacob Evans III.
The injured backcourt duo traveled with the team to start their current five-game road swing and could return to the lineup before they return home.
According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, Russell is making progress with his right thumb sprain. He will miss the next two games with the target to return at either the tail end of the road trip or at the start of the upcoming homestand.
D’Angelo Russell is making progress, team says. Won’t play in Atlanta or Orlando. Targeting his return late this road trip (Charlotte, Chicago) or early next homestand.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) November 30, 2019
Slater also reported that second-year guard, Evans practiced with the team after the Miami game and could even return by the end of the road trip. Evans has missed 17 of the team’s 20 games this season with an adductor injury, but looks to be on his way back in a season that initially had high expectations.
With several departures and injuries in the offseason, the Warriors 2018 first-round pick was slated to have an increased role at point guard in Steve Kerr’s offense.
Jacob Evans also won’t return the next two games, but went through practice today and should be back by end of road trip.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) November 30, 2019
Any fresh body will provide a boost to a Warriors rotation that is currently only running out only nine healthy players.