The Golden State Warriors announced on Thursday that guard De’Anthony Melton has suffered a “sprained ACL” in his left knee and will undergo additional testing to assess the severity of the injury. The team also confirmed that Melton will not play in Friday’s game against the Grizzlies, with a further update on his condition expected once more information becomes available.
This injury adds to a series of setbacks for the 26-year-old, who previously missed five games earlier in the season due to a recurring back issue. Despite these challenges, Melton has been a key contributor for the Warriors, averaging 10.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. He has shot 40.7% from the field and 37.1% from beyond the arc this season. One of his best performances came in a win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he posted a season-high 19 points, 10 rebounds, and three steals. Melton’s all-around impact has been crucial to the Warriors’ strong 9-2 start.
The Warriors’ early success also includes a notable win in their first NBA Cup game, where they triumphed over the Dallas Mavericks. Stephen Curry led the charge with 37 points, six rebounds, and nine assists, playing a key role in the 120-117 victory.
With Melton now sidelined, the Warriors’ backcourt depth takes a further hit as they navigate a packed schedule and adjust to offseason roster changes. In his absence, the team may look to give more playing time to bench players and rely on guards like Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski to help maintain their strong start to the season.