Overview
- The Warriors listed second-year guard Will Richard out indefinitely on Sunday after diagnosing a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his left thumb, according to the team's injury report and multiple outlets.
- Reporting says Richard hurt the thumb during Saturday's overtime win over the Orlando Magic when his hand made contact with the rim on a defensive play.
- Medical commentary cited in coverage places recovery for partial UCL tears at roughly four to eight weeks while complete tears often require surgery and a three- to four-month recovery, though the team has not announced a treatment plan.
- Richard had been a regular rotation piece this season, appearing in all 10 games and averaging 5.1 points in 17.2 minutes, and his minutes are expected to be redistributed to De'Anthony Melton, Brandon Williams, Gary Payton II and Gui Santos.
- Golden State's seven-game winning streak after an 0-3 start remains intact, but Richard's absence will test the Warriors' wing depth and could influence short-term lineup choices and roster moves.