NBA Gameday: Warriors bench needs to show more in final China contest

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The Warriors conclude their two-game swing through China on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai, where they face the Timberwolves for the second time in three days.

Tipoff is a 4 a.m. PDT.

Minnesota, riding a 21-5 run to close out the game, came back for a 111-97 victory on Thursday in Shenzhen.

The Warriors (0-2) not only lost the game but also suffered a setback when backup guard Nick Young took a hard fall on his backside in the fourth quarter and was forced to leave the game.

BETTING LINE

Warriors by 4.5

INJURY REPORT

Warriors: G Nick Young (R hip contusion) is listed as doubtful. F Chris Boucher (L ACL surgery rehab) is out.

Timberwolves: C Justin Patton (L foot surgery recovery) is listed as out.

THREE THINGS TO WATCH

STAMINA FACTOR: Both teams could feel the physical demands created by distant travel and league-mandated obligations. Warriors coach Steve Kerr played all 17 available players Thursday, while T-Wolves coach Tom Thibodeau played only 10 of the 16 available players on his roster. Which team will exhibit more endurance?

BENCH BRIGADE: Though the Warriors got generally positive performances from their starters, most of their reserves did not play well at either end. They’d like to see more out of Patrick McCaw (minus-14 for the game) and Damian Jones (minus-17), in particular. Young also played poorly Thursday but likely will be sidelined.

THE NON-ROSTER CREW: With only one final preseason game after this one, this will the last chance this month for invitees to make an impression on the Warriors or another team. Boucher is on a two-way contract and is not ready to play, which leaves only Georges Niang and Michael Gbinije in position to show what they can do. 

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