Coach Steve Kerr has been very clear that he’s not concerned with wins or losses during the pre-season. Well, the Warriors are 3-0 and have looked great in each of their first three games. Today, the Warriors take on the Denver Nuggets in Des Moines, Iowa, the first game of a back-to-back. With another game tomorrow in Kansas City, Missouri, expect a different line-up than the one you’ve seen so far in the pre-season.
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The Warriors have plenty of depth to give some guys rest in the pre-season, which is beneficial when playing two consecutive games on the road. According to Rusty Simmons of the San Francisco Chronicle, Kerr will give four of his starters plenty of time to rest during tonight’s game:
Barnes will have an added chance to shine 30 minutes away from his hometown of Ames, because he should get plenty of shots. Center Andrew Bogut and power forward David Lee will not play in the first game of a back-to-back set, and guards Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson are expected to play only the first half.
Bogut and Lee are seasoned veterans and don’t need the pre-season to prepare them from the grind of the regular season. Coach Kerr implemented a new offense, which is why they spent plenty of time on the floor during the first three games. With another game tomorrow against the Heat, Kerr has the luxury of given them the night off and have plenty of back-ups to pick up the slack.
The Splash Brothers are still young enough to play a lot of games, but conserving their energy will be key. Steph Curry and Klay Thompson will only play in the first half. Kerr should apply some Greg Popovich tactics and keep his players fresh for the post-season. Tonight belongs to Harrison Barnes, as he returns to his home state of Iowa.