De'Anthony

Melton

Melton averaged a career-high 12.3 points per game last season in 23 minutes per game. His three-point shooting fell off in a big way, though, as his 29 percent three-point shooting percentage was the worst of his career since 2019. Nevertheless, the Warriors are opting to bring Melton back as point guard depth off the bench.

Melton was one of the few players to come off Golden State’s bench and find production. He logged 28 minutes and converted half of his 10 field-goal attempts in that time, leading him to finish as the Warriors’ third-leading scorer on the evening. Melton also rebounded well from the guard position and nearly landed a double-double in the process. For the eighth-year veteran, he played relatively well in his first season back from an ACL tear. He averaged 12.3 points in his 49 regular-season appearances but struggled with his three-point efficiency. Perhaps being another year removed from the injury will pay off for him next season, potentially leading to more fantasy production.

Santos will be good to go following a two-game absence. He’ll continue to start, which will push De’Anthony Melton to the bench, though he should still play a significant role as one of the primary reserves.

Curry came off the bench in his first two games back from a knee injury that sidelined him for two months. He’ll start on Friday, bumping De’Anthony Melton to the bench. As for playing time, Curry’s minutes limit may reach the high-20s as he prepares for the Play-In Tournament. Joining Curry in the starting lineup are Brandin Podziemski, Gui Santos, Draymond Green and Kristaps Porziņǵis.

Golden State may be done some additional role players, which means De’Anthony Melton and Brandin Podziemski will need to step up and handle expanded workloads.

Melton’s scoring is inconsistent, but he is capable as this was his fifth game with at least 20 points since the beginning of March. The 27-year-old point guard chipped in with a little bit of everything against the Kings, adding four rebounds and five assists to his 21 points. Melton also made four three-pointers, which he hadn’t done since February.

After sitting out Wednesday’s loss to the Spurs, Melton, Santos and Porziņǵis are back and will start. As a result, LJ Cryer, Nate Williams and Will Richard will come off the bench. All three should remain in the rotation, but their fantasy outlooks aren’t as promising when used in a reserve role.

Melton is back after sitting out Wednesday’s loss to the Spurs. His return likely pushes LJ Cryer to the bench. However, the rookie guard may remain in the rotation since Seth Curry is out.

Melton missed Wednesday’s loss to the Spurs with a left thumb strain and is on the injury report as questionable for Thursday’s game against the Cavaliers. LJ Cryer started and had 17 points in 23 minutes in Melton’s absence Wednesday. It could play out similarly if Melton is ruled out again.

Melton will be unavailable for the first leg of this back-to-back. Gary Payton II has a good chance to replace him in the starting unit, with LJ Cryer and Pat Spencer taking on extra minutes off the bench.