The Golden State Warriors are on their way to China this weekend, with a full week’s worth of media events and more than 24 hours of flight time (round trip) on the schedule. It’s going to be a long week for the team, with two preseason games against the Los Angeles Lakers amidst a reception, a visit to the Great Wall and Fan Appreciation Day in Shanghai.
But one Warrior probably won’t be able to participate in the on-court action. After missing the team’s last game against the Utah Jazz, Harrison Barnes has been out of practice with inflammation in his left foot. Marcus Thompson reported that the injury could keep Barnes off the court for the foreseeable future.
Harrison Barnes didn’t practice because of inflammation in his left foot. It will probably keep him out of the two exhibition games in China
— Marcus Thompson (@gswscribe) October 10, 2013
Thompson also said Warriors management hasn’t provided much information on the injury since he injured his foot in Monday night’s win against the Sacramento Kings.
It remains to be seen whether or not this injury is significant enough to carry over to the start of the regular season at the end of the month, but for now, it’s likely just precaution on the Warriors to prevent Barnes from doing more damage.
While it’s a shame that he probably won’t get to play in front of the Chinese fans, this is better for Barnes, and for the team long term. Getting him healthy should be a top priority for the Warriors, who had only just gotten their starting 5 back to full strength.
Hopefully, Barnes will be back in practice at some point before the regular season opener October 30th against the Lakers.
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