Report: Barnes to start tonight

by OptionZero @ Golden State Of Mind on Nov 14, 2007 9:35 AM PST

According to Geoff Leopper of the Mercury News, Barnes should be getting the start tonight:

With forward Mickael Pietrus, a starter in the Warriors' first four games, not expected back until Friday or possibly even Sunday, Warriors Coach Don Nelson said he's going to give forward Matt Barnes his first start of the season tonight against the Detroit Pistons. It would be Nelson's fourth lineup in six games.

"Matt had his best practice (of the season) today," Nelson said Tuesday. "Without Pietrus there, I really need a good performance from him. That's why I was so encouraged with today's practice. We know what he can do when he's right, and it didn't look like that hand was bothering him much."

Barnes has been steadily improving despite dislocating the ring finger on his right (shooting) hand against Cleveland on Nov. 6 and dealing with an ongoing personal issue off the court.

The article did not say whether Barnes would be starting at SF or PF, but given Harrington's play, it seems unlikely Al gets sent to the bench. A better question is whether Ellis or Azubuike will sit.

As an aside, Croshere will be back in uniform and available tonight, according to this same article. (Note: Pietrus' absence was mentioned in this diary. Speculation is that he has visa issues and had to sort that out.)

This FanPost is a submission from a member of the mighty Golden State of Mind community. While we're all here to throw up that W, these words do not necessarily reflect the views of the GSoM Crew. Still, chances are the preceding post is Unstoppable Baby!

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Chances

are, Matt will man the 3 to guard Prince.

With Davis banged up, he will not play his usual 40 mins so I presumed Monta will be coming off the bench to spare him. Besides, scheduled games for the Ws will now be every other day, and a couple of b2b on the road (11/20-Knicks; 11/21 Celtics; 11/23 Wizards; 11/24 76ers).

by muritqua on Nov 14, 2007 9:55 AM PST reply actions

YES

this is exactly what I was waiting for, Barnes needs more PT. Hopefully the main minutes go to Baron/Buke/Barnes/Harrington/Biedrins.

And as horrible as we all think Croshere is, he's still a MUCH better rebounding option at PF than either Barnes or Pietrus. As upset as I was with this signing in the offseason, I've realized Croshere was the best PF we could get that can both rebound and shoot the 3.

I'm looking forward to this game and expect some good things to happen..

by jlagace on Nov 14, 2007 10:29 AM PST reply actions