The Golden State Warriors have had success this offseason. With a 5-1 exhibition record and wins over the Los Angeles Lakers, Utah Jazz and Portland Trail Blazers, the Warriors have seen nice progression from their young players. Harrison Barnes, who is still competing with Brandon Rush for the starting small forward spot, Festus Ezeli, who has been starting in place of the rehabbing Andrew Bogut, and Klay Thompson have all shown positive growth.
With only two preseason games left, the Warriors will now continue without Stephen Curry, who is out with a sprained right ankle. In the team's 101-97 win at Portland on Friday, he injured his ankle again and is being held out for precautionary reasons. While both head coach Mark Jackson and Curry have stated that this is a minor injury, it is natural to worry and have concerns given his ankle troubles throughout his career.
These last two games will give Jarrett Jack and Charles Jenkins extended playing time. While Curry is set to play in the season-opener against the Phoenix Suns, Jack and Jenkins' presence will be needed if Curry has other setbacks or a delay in his return. Their chemistry with the other starters in this game (Thompson, Barnes, and David Lee) against the Los Angeles Clippers will be needed to start the regular season off on the "right foot."
Matchup:
The Golden State Warriors will visit the Los Angeles Clippers at STAPLES Center located in Los Angeles, CA on Monday, October 22, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. PT.
Preseason standings:
Golden State has a 3-1 preseason record entering this matchup. They are 3-1 as the road team this preseason.
Los Angeles comes into this preseason game with a 2-3 record. They are 2-2 as the home team this preseason.
Where to watch and listen to the game:
Golden State: NBA TV and no radio.
Los Angeles: Prime Ticket and NBA TV and KFWB 980 for radio.
Probable starting lineups:
Golden State: Harrison Barnes, Festus Ezeli, Jarrett Jack, David Lee, Klay Thompson
Los Angeles: Matt Barnes, DeAndre Jordan, Travis Leslie, Chris Paul, Ronny Turiaf
Injuries:
Golden State: Andris Biedrins (right groin tightness), Andrew Bogut (left ankle rehab), Stephen Curry (sprained right ankle), Rick Jackson (right Achilles rehab)
Los Angeles: Chauncey Billups (left Achilles Tendon surgery), Trey Thompkins (bone bruise left knee)
Upcoming schedule:
Golden State's next game will be at home against the Phoenix Suns on October 23. This is the last preseason game before the start of the regular season.
Los Angeles' next two games will be at home against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 24 and on the road against the Denver Nuggets on October 25. These are the last two preseason games before the start of the regular season.
Sources:
Warriors at Clippers - October 22, 2012, NBA.com
Golden State Warriors Media Notes, NBA.com
Los Angeles Clippers Media Notes, NBA.com
Warriors' Curry out again with right ankle injury, AP
More from this contributor:
Golden State Warriors at Sacramento Kings, October 17, 2012: Fan's Preview
Warriors Sign Five Players to Complete 20-Man Training Camp Roster: Fan's Review
How the Dwight Howard Trade Affects the Golden State Warriors: Fan's Take
Fan's Take: Who Will Be the Golden State Warriors' Opening Day Starter at Small Forward?
Warriors Sign Brandon Rush and Carl Landry to Same Two-Year, $8 Million Deal: Fan's Take
Austin is a lifelong resident of the Bay Area, lifelong basketball fan and Golden State Warriors supporter, and a Featured Contributor for the Yahoo! Contributor Network. Follow this contributor on Twitter @_austinchang.
