Warriors' Thompson out vs. Celtics
The Golden State Warriors won't have shooting guard Klay Thompson when they take on the Boston Celtics on Friday.
Thompson is dealing with a minor ankle injury and interim head coach Luke Walton said playing through the ailment wasn't worth the risk.
He sustained the injury late in the fourth quarter of Tuesday's win against the Indiana Pacers, during which Thompson exploded for 39 points (including 10 threes). However, he limped off the court after twisting his ankle on a shot contest in the final minute.
Resting Thompson carries a price. The Warriors are up against the NBA's fifth-best defense and not having their second-leading scorer could put their 23-0 record in jeopardy. Golden State will also be without swingman Harrison Barnes, who's also battling ankle issues.
But then again, maybe it's much ado about nothing.
Warriors without Klay Thompson on the floor are +12.7 every 100 possessions. For perspective, the 18-4 Spurs are +11.4.
— Tom Haberstroh (@tomhaberstroh) December 11, 2015
Thompson is averaging 18.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in his fifth season with the Warriors.
Seldom used bench guard Ian Clark will stat in place of Thompson, while Leandro Barbosa, who sat out the last game with the flu, will give it a try.