De'Anthony

Melton

With Stephen Curry getting the night off, Melton started Sunday’s game and played 28 minutes. Unsurprisingly, the one-time fantasy basketball darling recorded a stat line that reminded folks why he remains a popular deep-league option. Melton’s six three-pointers were the most he’s made in a game since December 9, 2022, when he hit eight as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers. With Curry expected to play Monday against the Suns, Melton will head back to the bench.

The Warriors are resting Stephen Curry and Draymond Green for Sunday’s game, prompting multiple changes to the starting lineup. Melton, Niang and Bassey will start, with Gui Santos coming off the bench after starting Friday’s win over the Lakers.

Golden State’s bench made the difference on Friday, outscoring the Lakers’ bench 50-7. Melton scored 13 of his 16 points in the second quarter, shooting 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. He needed just 21 minutes to record his final stat line, showing why Melton can add value for category-league managers despite coming off the bench. The Warriors play one more game this week, hosting the Clippers on Sunday.

Melton didn’t start Saturday’s game, but Stephen Curry’s and Brandin Podziemski’s absences gave him more opportunities. Melton took advantage, scoring 25 points, the most he’s scored in a game since 27 against the Wizards on March 16. Add in the rebounds, assists and steals, and Saturday night was a good one for fantasy managers who slotted Melton into their lineups.

No surprise here as Curry said after Friday’s loss to the Grizzlies that he probably wouldn’t play against the Suns Saturday. With Brandin Podziemski also out, De’Anthony Melton and Will Richard could start and see significant minutes.

Podziemski is available after missing Wednesday’s loss to the Lakers due to a lower-back injury. His return means that De’Anthony Melton will come off the bench. Ike gets his first NBA start, letting Green play his usual power forward role.

Podziemski is available after sitting out Wednesday’s season-opening loss to the Lakers. His return likely pushes De’Anthony Melton to the bench.

Podziemski did not play in Wednesday’s loss to the Lakers, leading to De’Anthony Melton taking the starting spot. Melton played 21 minutes, while reserves Will Richard and Brandon Williams played 20 and 18 minutes, respectively. Expect a similar rotation if Podziemski can’t play on Friday.

After missing practice on Monday, Podziemski will miss Wednesday’s opener against the Lakers due to lower back soreness. However, he may not be out long, with Kerr hoping Podz can play on Friday. De’Anthony Melton is the player whose role may expand the most while Podziemski sits.

Podz missed practice on Monday and will now be unavailable for the season opener. There are high expectations for the type of impact he’ll make this season, so they’ll certainly miss him. De’Anthony Melton will likely replace him in the starting unit.