With the starting center position currently in a state of flux, rookie Jordan Bell is slated to return at just the right time for the Golden State Warriors. That time is likely to be Monday night according to the team’s official injury report, that lists Bell as probable to play in Madison Square Garden against the Knicks.
Injury update: Jordan Bell (left ankle inflammation) is probable for tonight’s game at New York.
— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) February 26, 2018
Jordan Bell will return tonight vs Knicks. That deactivates Kevon Looney. Quinn Cook remains active with McCaw out so Warriors have a guard to use if there is mop-up time.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) February 26, 2018
Bell is likely to be a key piece for the remainder of the season and in the playoffs for Golden State, especially after Zaza Pachulia was pulled from the starting lineup last week. JaVale McGee has filled in as the team’s starting center in back-to-back games against the Clippers and Thunder, but he is not considered a serious option to keep that spot for an extended period of time.
Before sustaining a left-ankle injury last month against the Bulls, Bell was starting to find his footing as a regular member of the Warriors rotation, and even started 11 games during the first half of the season. The Warriors have been exceptional with Bell on the court. Though only averaging 14.4 minutes per game, Bell is 29th in the NBA in overall real-plus minus, and 16th in defensive real-plus minus.
It is unclear if Bell will start, or come off the bench should he return as expected on Monday.