Brandin

Podziemski

Podziemski was one of the limited regular starters who was available to play in Monday’s game. In his 28 minutes, inefficient shooting limited his scoring production, but it was enough to get him into double figures on the evening. The third-year guard also contributed on the glass and was one of Golden State’s best distributors on Monday. He wasn’t at his best in this game, but he will have plenty of opportunities going forward to log some big stat lines.

Curry played 28 minutes in Sunday’s win over the Timberwolves, scoring 26 points. His absence for Monday’s rematch means the Warriors will rely heavily on Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody and Buddy Hield, with the latter possibly moving into the starting lineup. All three should be rostered for Monday’s action.

Curry was questionable for Sunday’s matchup with Minnesota, but he finished with 26/2/7/4 in the win. He may get a maintenance day for the second leg of the Warriors’ back-to-back set, which would open the door for Brandin Podziemski and De’Anthony Melton to see bumps in production and usage.

The NBA’s decision to push Saturday’s game back a day has created a back-to-back, so a few of the Warriors’ veterans are back on the injury report. Curry did play both games of the Warriors’ most recent back-to-back (January 19-20), so he isn’t a lock to miss one of the two matchups with the Timberwolves. If he sits, the Warriors will have to rely even more on Brandin Podziemski, De’Anthony Melton and Buddy Hield.

After dropping a season-high 24 points in Monday’s win over the Heat, Podziemski was probably due to cool down. He moved into the starting lineup on Tuesday, and the overall stat line was modest. However, one mediocre performance as the fifth starter should not prompt fantasy managers to immediately drop Podziemski, especially if he holds onto that role. He’ll look to bounce back on Thursday against the Mavericks.

Tuesday’s game is the first for the Warriors since losing Jimmy Butler III to a season-ending ACL tear on Monday. Green is back after sitting out the win over the Heat, and Podziemski will replace Will Richard in the starting lineup. Due to the Warriors’ need for scoring after losing Butler, Podz should remain a starter for the foreseeable future.

Butler’s absence is a major blow to the Warriors, who are treading water in the competitive Western Conference standings. Golden State should have more minutes available for the likes of De’Anthony Melton, Brandin Podziemski and Quinten Post, though there is no clear-cut fantasy beneficiary to immediately identify.

With Jimmy Butler (knee) leaving early in the third quarter and Stephen Curry saddled with foul trouble early in the fourth, Podziemski stepped up to help lead the Warriors to the win. He finished with a season-high point total, with only a blocked shot missing from Podziemski’s stat line. Butler’s injury makes Podziemski a more critical option, even if he remains with the bench unit. He’s worth picking up even before Butler undergoes an MRI on Tuesday.

Podziemski had an excellent night at the office, missing one shot and recording a nice overall stat line. However, the reserve role has not been the best for him as far as fantasy value is concerned. Over the past two weeks, Podziemski has been ranked outside the top-150 in per-game value. While deep-league managers may want to hold onto him, managers in 12-team leagues need to seek alternatives, preferably via trade if possible.

Curry is good to go after sitting out Friday’s loss to the Thunder. As a result of his return, Brandin Podziemski will return to the bench, lowering his fantasy ceiling.