Brandin

Podziemski

Monday’s game was a tale of two halves for Podziemski and the Warriors. Getting out to a fast start against a Clippers squad that played the night prior, Golden State led by as much as 17, and Podziemski scored 20 first-half points. The Clippers ramped up the defensive pressure after halftime, limiting Podz to two points and seemingly playing the entire half in transition because of their ability to force turnovers. Fantasy managers will certainly take Podziemski’s final stat line, but they were likely hoping for more offense after his stellar first half.

After coming off the bench in each of his last seven appearances, Podziemski was inserted into the Warriors’ starting lineup on Wednesday. While the shooting wasn’t great, the third-year guard offered solid value in the rebound and assist categories. If Podziemski continues to start over Pat Spencer (12/2/9/1/1 with two three-pointers in 32 minutes), that would raise his fantasy ceiling. However, the boost would not be significant, as Podz was already playing heavy minutes.

The Warriors won’t have Draymond Green for Wednesday’s game, opening up a spot in the starting lineup. Horford fills the void after not playing in Tuesday’s loss to the Pelicans. The other changes are Podziemski and Richard, who step in for De’Anthony Melton and Pat Spencer. While Spencer is available, Melton is out.

Melton set a new season high for scoring in Tuesday’s loss, but he won’t get the chance to build on it during the second leg of this back-to-back. Brandin Podziemski, Will Richard and Gary Payton II should be in line for extra minutes, with one of them filling the open starting spot.

Two days after Podz turned in an 18/15/9 line, he recorded another monster double-double, though he didn’t supply as many assists. He set his career high for boards in two consecutive games. He has his issues as a scorer, but Podz has been producing at a high level in recent weeks with Stephen Curry (knee) sidelined. If he can keep this up for the rest of the season, he’ll make a big impact for fantasy managers down the stretch.

Podziemski was just one assist shy of a triple-double. The 22-year-old shooting guard was clutch with 15 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two three-pointers in the fourth quarter alone. Podziemski came off the bench, but led the team in minutes with 37. He hasn’t shown that he can sustain this level play yet in his career, though it’d be a welcome sight for the Warriors if he can over the rest of this season.

Melton suffered a gluteal contusion during Monday’s win over the Grizzlies. He recently moved into the starting lineup, so the Warriors would have a gap to account for if he can’t play. Brandin Podziemski could return to the starting lineup in that scenario, which would raise his fantasy ceiling.

While he wasn’t much of a factor in the Warriors’ 19-5 run to end Monday’s comeback victory, Podziemski was one of seven to reach double figures. Despite Stephen Curry’s absence with a knee injury, Podz has come off the bench in the last three games. The change to the lineup lowers Podziemski’s fantasy ceiling, but he remains a worthwhile hold in deeper leagues. The Warriors host the Spurs on Wednesday in their final game before the All-Star break.

Limited to 13 minutes in Thursday’s win over the Suns due to an illness, Podziemski played 33 off the bench on Saturday. The final stat line was solid, but most encouraging was the playing time. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, minutes should not be an issue for Podziemski as long as he’s healthy. So, fantasy managers who have rostered him for this long should continue to do so.

After an illness limited him to 13 minutes in Thursday’s win over the Suns, Podziemski is good to go for Saturday night. He’ll likely come off the bench again, but the Warriors will still need his offensive output with Stephen Curry (knee) unavailable.