The Golden State Warriors faced another setback in their injury woes when Will Richard was sidelined with a right ankle sprain during their matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday at Chase Center. Richard was forced to leave the game in the second quarter and did not return as the team continues to battle key absences.
Richard’s Performance Before Injury and Warriors’ Current Injury Challenges
Before exiting, the rookie contributed four points on 2-of-3 shooting, along with a rebound and a block off the bench. Richard has been an important role player this season, averaging 7.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists across 53 games in the 2025-26 NBA campaign. The Warriors, however, are dealing with several significant injuries, including the continued absence of Steph Curry, who missed his 10th game with a knee injury on Saturday, as well as Jimmy Butler’s season-ending ACL tear and Kristaps Porziņģis sidelined by illness.
Challenges Loom as Warriors Aim to Qualify for Play-In Tournament
With key players unavailable, the Warriors are confronting a tough path in their effort to secure a spot in the NBA play-in tournament. The addition of Richard’s right ankle injury adds to the team’s concerns about depth and long-term availability as they strive to remain competitive this season.
“Will Richard (right ankle sprain) will not return to tonight’s game.” — Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR)
Will Richard (right ankle sprain) will not return to tonight’s game.
— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) March 1, 2026
