New York: The Golden State Warriors will roll out a brand-new starting lineup on Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, with Draymond Green sidelined for personal reasons.
Head coach Steve Kerr has confirmed a lineup the Warriors have never used before, featuring Stephen Curry, Pat Spencer, Buddy Hield, Jimmy Butler, and Quinten Post. The decision reflects Golden State’s continued experimentation amid injuries and roster adjustments late in the season.
Minnesota will also be missing its biggest star, as Anthony Edwards has been ruled out with a foot injury. Bones Hyland will step into the Timberwolves’ starting five in his place.
Pat Spencer Earns Surprise Start Alongside Stephen Curry
While Pat Spencer was expected to maintain a rotation role following an impressive stretch of performances, few anticipated him starting next to Stephen Curry. Both guards stand at 6-foot-2, making this one of the smallest backcourts Golden State has deployed in recent seasons.
Despite the size concerns, Spencer’s ball-handling and playmaking could allow Curry to operate more frequently off the ball. Earlier this week, Kerr hinted at experimenting with the duo, saying Curry and Spencer would play together “some,” depending on how things developed.
Friday’s matchup figures to be a key test in determining whether the pairing becomes a recurring option moving forward.
Spencer has earned the opportunity with his recent production. Across four games last week, he averaged 14.9 points, shooting 59.1 percent from the field and 75 percent from three-point range, while adding 5.8 assists and 4.0 rebounds per game. He also made the first two starts of his NBA career in Golden State’s last two wins, both coming without Curry and Green in the lineup.
Warriors Face Frontcourt Challenge Despite Edwards’ Absence
Although the Warriors catch a break with Edwards unavailable, the matchup still presents major challenges—particularly in the frontcourt. Minnesota boasts one of the NBA’s biggest starting units with Jaden McDaniels (6’9″), Julius Randle (6’9″), and Rudy Gobert (7’1″), while 2024 Sixth Man of the Year Naz Reid (6’9″) provides size and scoring off the bench.
With both Draymond Green and Al Horford unavailable, Golden State’s interior defense and rebounding depth will be under pressure. Starters Quinten Post and Jimmy Butler, along with bench contributors Trayce Jackson-Davis and Gui Santos, will be tasked with holding their own against Minnesota’s physical front line.
The Warriors did manage to control the boards in a recent win over Chicago, outrebounding the Bulls 51–38 despite missing key big men. However, the Timberwolves represent a far more demanding test on the glass.
Friday’s contest should offer an early indication of how this experimental Warriors lineup holds up against one of the Western Conference’s most imposing teams.
