What happened to Brandin Podziemski? Warriors hit with fresh injury setback ahead of preseason showdown against Lakers
The Golden State Warriors faced a fresh injury setback on Monday as guard Brandin Podziemski suffered a broken nose. The injury occurred during the Warriors' 111-93 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Sunday at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California.
The incident occurred in the third quarter when Podziemski was accidentally struck in the face by teammate Trayce Jackson-Davis' elbow. The Santa Clara standout was visibly shaken by the blow and exited the game for treatment in the locker room. Although Podziemski later returned to the bench, he did not re-enter the game. The young guard will wear a protective mask as he recovers from the injury.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr announced that Podziemski would sit out Tuesday's preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers but reassured fans that the second-year guard "would be fine."
Podziemski's injury follows closely on the heels of Golden State's superstar Steph Curry, who sustained a finger injury during Friday's preseason game against the Sacramento Kings. Curry sat out Sunday's matchup against the Pistons but is expected to return for the game against the Lakers.
Brandin Podziemski in preseason
Brandin Podziemski started for the Golden State Warriors, logging 19:37 minutes in the game against the Detroit Pistons. The 21-year-old contributed 12 points on 4-of-7 shooting, including 2-of-3 from beyond the arc, while also adding four rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
Across four preseason games, Podziemski is averaging 8.3 points, shooting an impressive 41.7% from 3-point range. The Warriors have experimented with several lineup changes throughout the preseason and Podziemski has embraced the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of his teammates' playing styles and tendencies.
“I think it allows me to understand my teammates. What they like, what they don’t like, what they prefer. In terms of catching the ball, what actions they like ran for them," Podziemski said after the Warriors' game against the Kings on Friday.
"And for me, as a point guard, being out there with Buddy (Hield) and (De'Anthony Melton) and Lindy (Waters III) who can run off screens and shoot, it gives a little bit of a Klay feel a little bit."
Golden State has two more preseason games against the Lakers before Steve Kerr's squad begins their regular season on Oct. 23 against the Portland Trail Blazers. Whether Podziemski will be ready to suit up for the Warriors' season opener remains to be seen.