With the Memphis Grizzlies beating the Sacramento Kings on Thursday, the Golden State Warriors contest against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday will not affect the race for the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference play-in tournament.
Instead, the Grizzlies and Warriors will play to decide the No. 8 seed on Sunday afternoon at Chase Center. Before the showdown with massive playoff implications on Sunday, the Warriors will have three key players out against the Pelicans on Friday.
According to Anthony Slater on The Athletic, Steph Curry, Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins will be sidelined against the Pelicans. All three were listed as questionable heading into Friday.
Via @anthonyVslater on Twitter:
Steph Curry, Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins are out tonight against the Pelicans, per source. Banged up at the end of a long season and no stakes on the line. Memphis resting all their main guys tonight, as well. Both teams gearing up for Sunday's finale.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) May 14, 2021
With Curry, Green and Wiggins out on Friday, the trio of Warriors will get four days off before Sunday’s tilt with the Grizzlies.
The Warriors will likely feature a rotation with bevy of young players, including Jordan Poole, Mychal Mulder and Nico Mannion. Recently signed Jordan Bell is also slated to play a role in Friday’s contest against the Pelicans.
After missing the last 20 games with a hip injury, Eric Paschall is listed as probable against the Pelicans.
The Warriors will welcome the Pelicans for the second to last home game of the regular season on Friday at 6:30 p.m. PT.
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