Golden State Warriors Injury Update for December 19: Chris Paul and Gary Payton III

As the Golden State Warriors gear up for their December 19 clash against the Boston Celtics, the latest injury report raises questions about the availability of veteran point guard Chris Paul. Currently listed as questionable, Paul is grappling with an illness, and a last-minute decision will determine whether he takes the court.

Adding to the challenges, the Warriors will be without Gary Payton III, sidelined due to a calf strain, and Draymond Green, who is serving a suspension. In response, coach Steve Kerr has opted for a shift in the starting lineups, featuring Brandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga. Their dynamic energy has notably impacted Golden State’s overall performance.

Golden State Warriors Injury Update: Chris Paul

However, with formidable opponents boasting two of the NBA’s premier two-way wings, there is a compelling argument for Kerr to reintegrate Andrew Wiggins into the starting lineup. Wiggins has a history of delivering standout performances against Boston, as evidenced by his contributions in the 2022 NBA Finals.

Despite the reshuffling, the absence of Paul, Green, and Payton III poses a challenge to Golden State’s bench unit, particularly against the Celtics’ size, length, and scoring prowess. Players like Sam Hauser and Payton Pritchard pose scoring threats, while the size advantage of Neemias Queta, filling in for the injured Luke Kornet, could test the Warriors’ defense.

Steph Curry’s Motivation Against the Boston Celtics

On December 17, Steph Curry’s remarkable streak of making at least one three-point shot in 268 consecutive games ended. The star guard faced one of his toughest offensive outings against the Portland Trail Blazers.

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Entering the game against the Boston Celtics, Curry carries added motivation to reignite his shooting prowess and initiate a new streak of successful three-pointers per game. Despite being 35 years old, Curry remains one of the world’s premier shooters, consistently performing at an elite level this season.

However, Curry and the entire Warriors roster anticipate a formidable challenge. The defensive prowess of Jrue Holiday and Derrick White, both exceptional guards, presents a formidable obstacle. Their relentless pursuit of Curry off screens is expected to make creating space for shots a demanding task, requiring Curry to exert extra effort to lift his team against the Celtics.