The Golden State Warriors faced yet another injury setback as guard Brandin Podziemski was ruled out against the Brooklyn Nets due to lower back soreness just minutes into the game. Podziemski experienced discomfort after attempting to defend Nets guard Cam Thomas, prompting him to request a substitution. Initially deemed questionable, he eventually was officially ruled out in the third quarter. This absence compounds the Warriors' injury woes, already missing Jonathan Kuminga, who has been sidelined for two months with an ankle injury, and Gary Payton II, who returned wearing a protective mask after suffering a fractured nose.

Despite the team's struggles, Podziemski had been enjoying a strong stretch of play since the acquisition of Jimmy Butler, averaging 13.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game in his last 11 appearances. This recent production has made his injury particularly concerning for the Warriors as they look to maintain competitiveness in the Western Conference.