It’s difficult to anticipate an injury to your best player and with only 22 games remaining, the Warriors have some work to do in order to lock up the number one seed in the Western Conference.

The Warriors have announced that Kevin Durant will be out at least four weeks with a Grade 2 MCL Sprain and Tibial Bone Bruise. After four weeks Durant will be re-evaluated, hopefully he can get back on the floor before the start of the postseason.

Now, the Warriors have to worry about the Spurs catching them in the standings. With only a four game cushion, the Warriors needed a replacement for Durant at the forward position. According to Marc Stein and Chris Haynes of ESPN, the Warriors plan to sign the Northern California native, Matt Barnes:

Barnes finally gets to come back after a successful two years with the Warriors. He was part of the “We Believe” team that made history when the 8th seeded Warriors beat the number one seed Dallas Mavericks in six games. After missing the postseason for 13th consecutive years, Barnes was part of a special group of players that brought life to Oracle Arena.

Now, the Warriors need Barnes to hold the fort while Durant is sidelined. Iguodala and Barnes will likely be the favorites to play at the small forward spot and both should do a good job defending the opposing small forward. With Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green drawing all of the attention, Barnes should enjoy some wide open looks when he’s on the floor. Barnes has showed an ability to hit open shots, so he could be another weapon that can knock down an open jumper.

The UCLA Bruin was thrilled to be back for the Warriors and the fans were equally as thrilled. Welcome back home Matt.