Al Horford (back) out Saturday vs. Suns

Neither Green nor Horford played in Saturday’s loss to the Suns. The former’s absence opened a starting spot for Gui Santos, who exited in the third quarter with a leg injury and did not return. Green will return to his usual starting role, with Horford providing bench depth.

After starting Draymond Green at center in Wednesday’s loss to the Lakers, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr opted against that approach on Friday. As a result, Ike made his first NBA start. The rookie from Gonzaga shot reasonably well, but he offered little value beyond points and three-pointers. The Warriors visit Phoenix on Saturday, and Ike may play more, as Al Horford hasn’t played both games of back-to-backs in a few years.

Bassey did not play in Wednesday’s opener against the Lakers, leaving the Warriors light on options at center. With Kristaps Porziņģis (illness) out indefinitely, Draymond Green may spend more time at center than head coach Steve Kerr would prefer. Al Horford can provide depth off the bench, but he’s unlikely to exceed 20 minutes.

With Kristaps Porzingis (illness) sidelined, the Warriors will have to rely on Draymond Green and Al Horford at center, offering rookie Yaxel Lendeborg the opportunity to see significant minutes right out of the gate. On the other side of the court, Walker Kessler could be in for a huge night against Golden State’s shorthanded and undersized frontcourt rotation.

Bassey showed some juice during the preseason and may be part of the rotation as a depth big man when he’s healthy. If he’s not available for this game, Al Horford will likely take on a few extra minutes, with Draymond Green spending most of his time at center.

Horford, who is expected to play around 20 minutes per game during the regular season, logged 15 minutes on Friday. That was all he needed to put up quality offensive numbers, shooting 5-of-8 from beyond the arc. Even with Kristaps Porziņģis out indefinitely due to illness, Horford’s limited minutes aren’t enough to make him a viable option in standard fantasy leagues.

Having turned 40 in early June, Horford’s days of fantasy relevance may be in the rearview mirror. However, with Kristaps Porziņģis sidelined again, Horford’s availability becomes even more important as the regular season approaches. He didn’t shoot well against the Kings, but his rebounding and assists were decent. Horford isn’t a must-pick in most drafts, but he’s worth monitoring on the waiver wire in deep leagues.

Horford declined his player option, but is staying with the Warriors on a two-year deal. Horford turned 40 earlier this month and is entering his 20th season in the NBA. He’ll be the 13th player in league history to reach 20 seasons. Horford’s return is the first move in securing Golden State’s frontline for the upcoming season. The organization is in talks to bring Kristaps Porzingis back on a short-term contract and expects Draymond Green to exercise his player option. A part-time player at this point of his career, Horford doesn’t carry much fantasy value. He averaged career-lows in points, rebounds and minutes last season.

One day removed from playing 28 minutes in Wednesday’s win over the Clippers, Porziņǵis is on the injury report due to a sore left ankle. If he’s unable to play on Friday, the Warriors may turn to Al Horford, who logged 22 minutes on Wednesday. That would mean more minutes for Gary Payton II as well, even though he does not share a position with Porziņǵis or Horford.

Kerr made the comments following Sunday’s regular-season finale, a loss to the Clippers in the first of two meetings between the teams over four days. None will surpass 40 minutes, but the question is how far beyond 30 minutes the veterans will go. Curry’s 29 minutes on Sunday were the most for him since returning from a case of runner’s knee, and Porziņǵis has logged 29 minutes just twice since joining the Warriors. As for Horford, he has exceeded 30 minutes just twice this season, most recently March 10 against the Bulls.