The Golden State Warriors are about to shake things up in a big way—and it’s not just because they’re unveiling their 16th different starting lineup this season. With their star-studded 'Big Three' sidelined, the spotlight is now on Gui Santos, who’s stepping into the starting role for just the fourth time in his career when they face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this a desperate move or a calculated risk? Let’s dive in.
Santos will be joined by Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, Will Richard, and Quinten Post—a lineup that’s as unconventional as it is intriguing. The Warriors are missing more than just their stars; Stephen Curry (ankle), Jimmy Butler (illness), and Draymond Green (rest) are out, along with De'Anthony Melton (knee injury management) and Seth Curry (sciatica). Adding to the chaos, Jonathan Kuminga was a late scratch due to lower back soreness, leaving the Warriors with just 10 available players against a formidable Thunder squad. And this is the part most people miss: With such a thin roster, every player on the court will need to step up in ways they haven’t before.
Santos, however, has been quietly earning his spot. Fresh off a career-best performance against the Hornets—15 points on 5-of-6 shooting, 3-of-4 from three, five rebounds, two assists, one block, and zero turnovers—he’s been a consistent bright spot. Over the last 12 games, he leads the team with a plus-59 rating, proving he’s more than capable of holding his own. At 6'7", Santos embodies the modern stretch 4, rarely getting outmuscled on defense. Yet, Steve Kerr has historically limited his minutes, opting for smaller role players instead. Why? Some fans argue it’s a head-scratching decision, while others believe Kerr is playing the long game. Either way, Friday’s game is Santos’s chance to prove his worth.
Meanwhile, the Warriors are banking on Brandin 'Podz' Podziemski to carry the scoring load. Believe it or not, Podz is the team’s third-leading scorer at 12.5 points per game. But with Curry and Butler out, the Warriors’ lack of secondary scoring becomes glaringly obvious. Here’s the bold question: Can Podz rise to the occasion and match his career-high 29 points? If the Warriors stand a chance against the Thunder, he might just have to.
Expect the Warriors to lean heavily on their double-big lineup, featuring Al Horford at the 4 alongside either Post or Trayce Jackson-Davis. This isn’t a strategic masterstroke—it’s necessity. With only 10 players available, three of whom are natural centers, Horford will have to moonlight as a power forward. But here’s the twist: This lineup could actually work against the Thunder. The last thing Golden State can afford is to get out-rebounded, and the double-big setup, in theory, should help them compete on the glass.
So, is this lineup a Hail Mary or a hidden gem? Will Santos and Podz rise to the challenge, or will the Warriors’ depth issues prove too much to overcome? What do you think? Let us know in the comments—this is one game you won’t want to miss.
