Leandro Barbosa to Miss at Least 2 Games Due to Personal Matter
Golden State Warriors guard Leandro Barbosa has left the team to go to Brazil and will miss at least two games while dealing with a personal matter.
Warriors interim head coach Luke Walton made the announcement Thursday, per Diamond Leung of the Bay Area News Group. He will miss Thursday night's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves and will also sit out Sunday's contest against the Brooklyn Nets. The current plan would have Barbosa back before Tuesday's game against the Toronto Raptors, but no formal timetable has been set.
"But obviously when it comes to family, he'll take as much time as he needs," Walton said.
The nature of Barbosa's family issue was not made available.
Barbosa, 32, is averaging 5.6 points and 2.0 assists per game through the Warriors' 9-0 start. He's served as a backup to Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson in a combo guard role, shooting 42 percent overall and 37.5 percent from deep.
Shaun Livingston and Brandon Rush should see a few extra minutes go their way with Barbosa out of the lineup. Rush in particular could get an extended look at the 2 after sitting out each of the last three games. Second-year guard Ian Clark may also see time.
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