The Warriors might not see much of Anthony Davis for the rest of the preseason.
Golden State plays the Los Angeles Lakers three times next week to close its exhibition schedule, but the star big man could miss time after spraining his right thumb Saturday against the Brooklyn Nets in Shenzhen, China.
Davis, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, injured himself while swatting at the basketball around the midway point of the first quarter. Although the 26-year-old initially played through it, he emerged from the Lakers' locker room between the first and second quarter with an ice pack taped to his hand. He later was seen on LA's bench with a wrap around the thumb.
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Initial tests indicated that Davis did not have any ligament damage in the thumb, The Athletic's Shams Charania reported Saturday. Charania tweeted that it's "believed" Davis only has a Grade 1 sprain.
Davis will undergo more diagnostic tests when the Lakers return to the United States because there was no X-ray machine at the arena, according to the Los Angeles Times' Tania Ganguli.
The Warriors and Lakers will play at Staples Center on Monday and Wednesday night, then both teams will wrap up the preseason against each other Friday at Chase Center. Given Davis' extensive injury history, it's likely LA will be cautious with the big man -- even if his tests bring good news.
Golden State Warriors
Davis, whom the Lakers agreed to acquire from the New Orleans Pelicans in a blockbuster trade just two days after the Toronto Raptors beat the injury-riddled Warriors in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, has missed at least seven games in all seven seasons of his career. LA traded for Davis at least in part because injuries to Warriors star Klay Thompson (torn ACL) and departed Kevin Durant (ruptured Achilles) seemingly opened a window of contention in the Western Conference.
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But Davis missing time would cut into the Lakers' margin for error, considering they gave up three players who averaged at least 25 minutes per game last season. The Warriors, who have won the Pacific Division in each of the last five seasons, would have a better chance of keeping pace with the odds-on title favorites if the Lakers also are down a star.
After four preseason matchups, the Warriors and Lakers won't meet in the regular season until Nov. 13 at Staples Center. Whether Davis will suit up then remains to be seen.