In their presidential opener, the Golden State Warriors will be without one of their stars on the backcourt against the Washington Wizards in Japan on Friday morning.
Klay Thompson will not make his presidential debut against the Wizards at Saitama Super Arena on Friday. The Warriors are cautious at the start of the season with Thompson ruled out for both contests against the Wizards in Japan. Without Thompson, Jordan Poole will enter the starting lineup on Friday.
No Klay Thompson in either Japan game. Steve Kerr said it’s about being cautious based off his two-year absence and this condensed early part of preseason. They want to ease him into action after the trip. Jordan Poole will start tonight.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) September 30, 2022
With Thompson out, Moses Moody, Deontay DiVincenzo, Quindry Weatherspoon and rookie Ryan Rollins could see an extended role in the backcourt against the Wizards on Friday morning.
After missing two seasons due to some serious injuries, Thompson made his long-awaited return to the court in January of last season. The veteran sharpshooter played 32 games in the Warriors' run during the 2021-22 campaign, scoring 20.4 points on 42.9% shooting from the floor and 38.5% shooting from deep.
After Golden State's matchups in Japan against the Wizards, the Warriors will return to the Bay Area for three preseason games at the Chase Center in San Francisco.
The Warriors will then begin the season against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 18 at Ring Night at the Chase Center.
This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
