The Golden State Warriors faced the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday with several key players missing. Stephen Curry is out due to knee issues, and Jimmy Butler is sidelined with a torn ACL. Additionally, Draymond Green missed the game due to a late injury to his lower back.
During the game, Al Horford also suffered an injury, experiencing tightness in his right calf and was forced to leave the match. The Warriors later announced that Seth Curry would not return due to soreness in his left adductor.
Horford’s injury occurred in the first quarter after he played five minutes, scoring three points and grabbing one rebound.
The 39-year-old center/forward came into this game averaging 8.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.2 blocks this season, with shooting stats of .425/.361/.846 across 42 games (22.1 minutes per game). He has primarily been a bench player this season but started his 12th game on Friday. Seth Curry recorded an average of 9.0 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists but only played in four games this season.
With Horford out, second-year player Quinten Post may see increased playing time. The Dutch big man missed the previous game against Chicago but was deemed fit to play on Friday. De’Anthony Melton also returned after missing one game due to a left adductor injury.
Horford has a player option for next season, which is valued at just under $6 million.