Warriors announce new starting lineup for preseason game vs. Blazers

For the first time this preseason, the Golden State Warriors will start both Draymond Green and Charles Bassey.

Gui Santos was the starting small forward, but he will come off the bench against the Trail Blazers on Friday.

The rest of the starters are no surprises – Stephen Curry at point guard, Brandin Podziemski at shooting guard and Yaxel Lendeborg at small forward.

steve kerr Said Beginner players will play for 25-30 minutes.

This is the Warriors’ final preseason game. He made his season debut on Wednesday against the Lakers.

Warriors left in doubt over opening night starting lineup

Kerr previously said he was “leaning” toward a starting lineup of Curry, Podge, Santos, Lendeborg and Green.

Kerr said before Friday’s game that he went with Basi instead of Santos because he wanted to get a look at Green next to a center other than Al Horford.

The positive side of starting Bassey is more rim protection and size. The downside is that Santos is a much more versatile offensive player than Bassey.

I believe the Warriors should start Santos, as it allows Lendeborg to play power forward and will generally make the offense more lethal.

But Bassey has certainly earned consideration for the regular season starting lineup.

He is second on the team in preseason field-goal percentage (65.4), second in rebounds per game (6.6) and first in blocks per game (1.8).

Warriors’ defense will be in the spotlight

In three minutes of the third quarter against the Lakers on Tuesday, the Warriors allowed 70 points.

That’s a lot against a team playing without its superstar, as Luka Doncic was resting.

It’s clear the Warriors don’t have the healthy personnel to play great on-ball defense. Lendeborg was among the Golden State players who struggled against the Lakers.

Steve Kerr has since said that he thinks the Dubs have “Very good“Defense if they are more connected.

The Blazers will be a great test. Their lineup on Friday should feature Denny Avdija, Ja Morant and Damian Lillard.

It is noteworthy that Green was out against the Lakers. He generally avoids many defensive mistakes.

Getting him back in the lineup will help.

That said, no one should expect the Warriors to fix their defensive issues overnight. But progress will allow for fewer layups and easier drives into the paint.