Warriors’ Kent Bazemore (health and safety protocol) set to return to starting lineup vs. Timberwolves on Thursday
After suffering a blowout loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night, the Golden State Warriors are slated to get some help at the start of the final road swing of the 2020-21 season.
After missing the previous three games in the league’s COVID-19 health and safety protocol, Kent Bazemore is expected to make his return on Thursday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. According to Steve Kerr, the veteran guard will be in Golden State’s starting lineup on Thursday in Minnesota.
Via @anthonyVslater on Twitter:
Kent Bazemore will travel and return for the Warriors upcoming road trip. Steve Kerr said he will start tomorrow.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) April 28, 2021
Prior to entering the league’s health and safety protocol, Bazemore started seven consecutive games, averaging 11.4 points on 46.8% shooting from the floor with 4.4 rebounds, two assists and 1.7 steals in 27.6 minutes per game. During Bazemore’s recent stint in the starting lineup, the Warriors posted a 5-2 record, including a four-game winning streak.
Without Bazemore, reserve guard Mychal Mulder was called on to make three starts, averaging 11.5 points on 58.8% shooting from the floor and 47.8 shooting from beyond the arc. During Golden State’s ugly loss to Dallas on Tuesday, the sharpshooting guard tallied a career-best 26 points on 10-of-16 shooting from the field.
Despite Bazemore’s likely return, the Warriors could be without Kelly Oubre Jr. The explosive wing is listed as doubtful for Thursday’s contest with left wrist soreness. Oubre Jr. has shifted to a role off the bench over the last five games, averaging 17 points on 43.9% shooting from the field with 5.4 rebounds in 29.1 minutes in the second unit.
Without Oubre Jr., the Warriors could lean on Jordan Poole, Mulder and Juan Toscano-Anderson off the bench against the Timberwolves.
