Warriors Make Massive Starting Lineup Change vs. Mavericks
The Golden State Warriors are reportedly making a major starting lineup change, per Anthony Slater of The Athletic. For the first time this season, the team is expected to start rookie big man Trayce Jackson-Davis, moving Kevon Looney to the bench. In addition to this move, the Warriors are moving their the rookie Brandin Podziemski to the bench, and bringing veteran point guard Chris Paul back into the starting lineup.
While the Trayce Jackson-Davis move is one that seemed to be coming soon, the Paul for Podziemski swap is a little more unexpected. Perhaps the Warriors feel that Paul's passing ability is best when paired with Jackson-Davis, as has been been shown when both players were coming off the bench.
Head coach Steve Kerr has been very malleable with his lineups and rotations this season, often trying different combinations to see what works best. For this game, Kerr will go with Steph Curry, Chris Paul, Klay Thompson, Jonathan Kuminga, and Trayce Jackson-Davis.
Against a Mavericks team that has a lot of firepower, even with Kyrie Irving sidelined, the Warriors are going with the five-man group that they believe gives them the best chance to come out with a good start. As Kerr has also shown, the starting lineup does not determine who plays the most minutes or who closes, so that will also be something to watch for.
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