Injuries have flipped the Golden State Warriors 2019-20 season from a potential push at the playoffs, to the bottom of the Western Conference standings. However, of late, the Warriors are receiving good news regarding some of their injured All-Star caliber talent.
Stephen Curry has been cleared to travel with the team and made his first road trip since injuring his hand in late October against the Phoenix Suns. Now, against the Memphis Grizzlies, another Warriors’ All-Star will return to action.
D’Angelo Russell has missed the Warriors past six games after suffering an injury against the Dallas Mavericks in late December. Russell collided with Luka Doncic that put him down on the floor for several minutes. The 23-year-old guard took a quick trip to the Golden State locker room but was able to return against the Mavericks and finish the game.
Since then, Russell has been dealing with a shoulder injury that has kept him out while his team has struggled. The Warriors have lost seven straight games after completing their longest winning streak of the season of four consecutive wins.
Russell will return to the starting lineup against Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies, according to NBC Sports Bay Area Warriors reporter, Kerith Burke.
D’Angelo Russell is back and ready to start tonight. Omari Spellman will start as well.
— Kerith Burke (@KerithBurke) January 12, 2020
The Warriors will have to lean on Russell in his return as fellow backcourt mate, Damion Lee, has been ruled out against Memphis as the Warriors finalize his contract.
Prior to getting injured, Russell was playing at an elite level, scoring 30 or more points in three out of four straight games.