Harrison Barnes Injury: Updates on Warriors Forward's Leg

Golden State Warriors small forward Harrison Barnes won't play against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday after landing awkwardly following a dunk on Monday, but shouldn't be gone too long.

UPDATE: Thursday, Jan. 31, at 2:50 p.m. ET by Adam Wells

Barnes' absence was short-lived, as the star forward will be back in the lineup for Thursday night's game against Dallas. 

Rusty Simmons of the San Francisco Chronicle tweeted this quote from Warriors head coach Marc Jackson:

Barnes is averaging just 8.9 points per game this season, but he has been a solid rebounder with 4.3. He has brought a solid three-point presence to the offense, as well. 

--End of update--

Sam Amico of FoxSports.com tweeted on Tuesday:

"

Stephen Curry & Harrison Barnes will not play for Warriors vs Cavs. Nor will Andrew Bogut."I'm questionable too," Mark Jackson joked.

— Sam Amico (@SamAmicoFSO) January 29, 2013"

The rookie, who was originally deemed to have suffered a calf injury (per Marcus Thompson of Bay Area News Group), was diagnosed with left knee soreness on Tuesday, according to NBA.com.

Barnes, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft, has been Golden State's starting small forward this season, playing over 25 minutes per game. He has averaged 8.9 points and 4.3 rebounds while shooting 43 percent from the field and 37 percent from downtown. More importantly, he has been part of a group effort that has led to a 27-17 record for the Warriors.

Ironically, Barnes and star point guard Stephen Curry were injured in the same game that center Andrew Bogut returned from injury. Bogut, who posted 12 points, eight rebounds and four blocks in Monday's 114-102 victory over the Toronto Raptors, is part of a core including Barnes, Curry, All-Star David Lee and shooting guard Klay Thompson that the Warriors hope will lead them to the playoffs this season and beyond.

The reviews have been mixed for Barnes this season. He has shot surprisingly well from downtown and he has been disruptive on defense with his length. However, he's also shooting 43 percent overall for the season, which is a bit concerning considering scoring was supposed to be his forte coming into the NBA.

The Warriors are hoping to get the 20-year-old back sooner rather than later so he can continue to develop and mesh with the young squad.

Veteran forward Richard Jefferson will likely start in Barnes' absence.