Golden State may get a third All-Star back in its lineup this weekend.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr said after today’s practice that shooting guard Klay Thompson could return for Saturday’s game against the Sacramento Kings (10 ET, NBA League Pass). The four-time All-Star has been out since March 11 with a fractured right thumb.
Kerr told reporters today that “there’s a chance,” Thompson could play tomorrow.
“There’s a chance” Klay Thompson plays tomorrow against the Kings, according to Steve Kerr.
— Logan Murdock (@loganmmurdock) March 30, 2018
Klay Thompson practiced today, remains possible he returns vs Kings tomorrow. Andre Iguodala won't play vs Kings, doubtful vs Suns on Sunday.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) March 30, 2018
Kerr reiterated that it’s possible Klay Thompson will play tomorrow. He practiced today.
— Connor Letourneau (@Con_Chron) March 30, 2018
Before last night’s game against Milwaukee, Kerr had a similar message for reports, writes Connor Letourneau of the San Francisco Chronicle:
“We’re taking it day by day,” Golden State head coach Steve Kerr said before Thursday night’s game against Milwaukee. “He felt great yesterday, got a really good workout. So, we’re just taking it day by day. There’s a chance he could play Saturday. And there’s also a chance he may not. Literally day to day, but it’s getting close.”
Thompson fractured his thumb during the second quarter of the Warriors’ March 11 loss to Minnesota, but continued to play, finishing with 21 points on 8-for-22 shooting and four turnovers in 40 minutes. He was initially ruled out for at least four games, though Kerr conceded at the time that Thompson was “probably looking at (missing) a couple weeks.”
Now, 18 days after sustaining the injury, Thompson is shooting with his heavily-wrapped right hand. He is set to miss his eighth straight game Thursday. When he comes back, Golden State will have three of its four All-Stars available.
The Warriors have lost their last two games while playing without Thompson, Stephen Curry (ankle), Kevin Durant (rib) and Draymond Green (abdominal contusion). Durant and Green made their respective returns last night against the Milwaukee Bucks. However, Durant was ejected with 2.4 seconds left in the first half of the Warriors’ 116-107 loss.
As for Green, he played 28 minutes, finishing with 11 points, five rebounds, six assists and two steals.
Thompson is averaging 19.7 points per contest whil shooting 44.3 percent from 3-point range this season.
