Buddy

Hield

Having missed three games earlier this season with an ankle injury, Curry is questionable for Monday with a case of knee bursitis. If he cannot play, Buddy Hield would figure even more prominently in the rotation, as the Warriors are already without De’Anthony Melton (knee). Hield is already rostered in most fantasy leagues, while Brandin Podziemski remains available in some deep leagues.

Hield has really quieted down after a monster start to the season, but he played well in this game. This was their first game since De’Anthony Melton was diagnosed with a sprained ACL, and Hield’s minutes jumped from 21 to 30. That’s more on par with his role early this season, when Melton was out of the lineup and Buddy was putting up big numbers. Lindy Waters III, who started in place of Melton, exited early from this game with a left knee injury. If they’re down two players at that position, Hield should continue to play extra minutes and should get back to his early season production.

If Melton didn’t have bad luck regarding injuries, he’d have none. The Warriors guard is back on the sideline and will undergo further testing on his knee before a timeline is determined. Unless the recovery is miraculously quick, there’s no need to hold onto Melton. His absence opens up a spot in the starting lineup, and there are multiple options at Steve Kerr’s disposal. Gary Payton II, Brandin Podziemski, and Buddy Hield are among the possibilities that could be asked to fill the void. Managers considering dropping Podziemski should hold for now, as he could figure prominently in the rotation with Melton sidelined.

Wiggins missed a pair of games at the end of October with a similar back issue, but Golden State’s rotation looks different already. If he were to miss this game, Buddy Hield would likely see a boost in minutes but won’t start. That likely means that either Brandin Podziemski or Moses Moody will start, with all three seeing extra minutes.

Podz missed his first game of the season Wednesday against Boston, while Melton has been sidelined for five straight. Green has yet to miss a game this season, so it’s possible he picked up the injury against the Celtics. If Podz or Melton are out, expect Buddy Hield to see increased run. Green’s absence could mean more playing time for Jonathan Kuminga, Kyle Anderson or Kevon Looney.

Hield continues to produce off the bench for the Warriors in his first season in Golden State. He’s fit right in given his shooting as the team said goodbye to Klay Thompson over the offseason. Against the Celtics, Hield was a +19 in 29 minutes and made 4-of-7 attempts from behind the 3-point line. He’s a solid fantasy asset in his new home. Golden State has two more games this week with matchups against the Cavaliers on Friday and Thunder on Sunday.

The Warriors boast one of the best bench units in the NBA, and Hield is a significant reason for this. Counting Monday, he’s scored 20 points or more in four straight and six of seven games. While Hield’s providing top-10 per-game value despite coming off the bench may be reason for some to entertain selling high, the better course of action may be to hold onto him.

Buddy Hield got the start in their last game in place of the injured Andrew Wiggins, but he’ll play a large reserve role in this one. Waters, who put up 21/8/4 off the bench in 31 minutes on Tuesday, will get his first start as a Warrior.

Hield scored just three first-half points and began the second half on the bench. However, his benching lit a fire under him. He made eight of his 10 field goal attempts in the second half. He’s now hit five or more triples in three of his four games with the Dubs.

Hield scored a mere three points on 1-of-8 shooting in the first half while Waters provided a spark with his prolific shooting off the bench. Hield will have to try to assert himself as a threat down the home stretch.