Steve Kerr explains why Andrew Bogut will start with DeMarcus Cousins out

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Programming note: Watch the pregame edition of Warriors Outsiders on Thursday night at 6, streaming live on the MyTeams app.

On March 3, Andrew Bogut registered 10 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and two blocks as a member of the Sydney Kings.

On Thursday night in Los Angeles, he will jump center for the Golden State Warriors in Game 3 of an NBA playoff first-round series against the Clippers.

That's pretty wild.

"Bogut will start," Steve Kerr announced after practice Wednesday. "That way we keep Loon (l[Kevon Looney] in his same role as backing up the center position. I think that makes the most sense. Looney's been tremendous. He's had a fantastic season and first couple of playoff games.

"I think Bogut will do a great job. He's been great, too, since he's been back. This is why we got him -- just in case. We were hoping we wouldn't have any injuries, obviously, but that was our most vulnerable position.

"We're lucky to have Andrew."

That is correct, especially since DeMarcus Cousins is likely out for the rest of the playoffs.

In Game 1, Bogut played just a little over two minutes, but he contributed three points, one rebound, one block and one assist.

In Game 2, he played nearly 17 minutes, and racked up nine rebounds, two assists, one block and three points. He was plus-5.

Looney, meanwhile, was a team-best plus-30 in Game 1. He followed that up with a career-high 19 points in Game 2, while also grabbing five rebounds.

Bogut and Looney definitely will see bigger roles moving forward, but you also should expect Draymond Green to see increased time at center.

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After Game 1, Kerr said the "Hamptons 5" unit of Green, Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Andre Iguodala and Kevin Durant will play more during the playoffs than it did during the regular season.

"It’s our best lineup," Kerr told reporters. "It’s not exactly rocket science.”

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