Will

Richard

Richard looked on Friday like someone who’d logged legitimate NBA minutes before. He shot the ball efficiently, did some nice secondary playmaking, and was active defensively with his hands. But one of the most important takeaways from the contest was how productive Richard was from beyond the arc. He shot 4-of-5 from deep, which is big, considering the 33.5 percent of three-pointers he made last season as a rookie. If he can remain consistent from the three-point line, Richard should be able to find a bigger role next season on a team that currently has limited backcourt depth.

Richard is good to go for Sunday’s regular-season finale. With the Warriors locked into the No. 10 seed in the West, the rookie wing may play extended minutes if his back holds up.

While both were available for Friday’s loss to the Kings, Richard was limited to three minutes off the bench while Green started and logged 24. If Richard can’t play, his minutes can be absorbed by the Warriors’ other perimeter reserves, such as De’Anthony Melton and Pat Spencer. A void left by Green would be more challenging to fill, with Gary Payton II being one of the options.

Richard missed Thursday’s game against the Lakers, but he’s set to return after a one-game absence. The 23-year-old guard figures to have his typical reserve role.

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.

Richard was initially doubtful for Thursday’s game, so the status downgrade is unsurprising. More minutes will be available to LJ Cryer and Pat Spencer off the bench.

Bassey has provided the Warriors with additional depth in the frontcourt, which is much needed as Kristaps Porziņģis and Al Horford deal with injuries. If Bassey can’t play on Wednesday, they’ll need more minutes from Malevy Leons. As for Richard, L.J. Cryer would likely absorb the available playing time if Richard can’t play.

Injuries to Gui Santos and Kristaps Porziņǵis have forced two changes to the Warriors’ starting lineup. They’ve been replaced by Richard and Leons, with the former offering a higher ceiling for fantasy managers in active leagues.

Porziņģis pops up on the injury report with a knee injury, which is not a good sign this close to the playoffs. Draymond Green will likely occupy the center minutes if Porziņģis is unavailable, with Gary Payton II or Will Richard filling out the open starting spot.

Initially questionable for Wednesday’s game, Santos is officially out. Will Richard is a potential replacement in the starting lineup. While Wednesday’s matchup is challenging, the rookie would be worth streaming in deep leagues.