The Golden State Warriors are not going to risk the health of Kevon Looney as he recovers from a hamstring injury.

Per Anthony Slater of The Athletic, Looney won't play on Saturday in the Warriors' preseason opener against the Los Angeles Lakers. Instead of Looney, Omari Spellman will start.

Related NewsArticle continues below
Warriors' Stephen Curry with Bob Myers, Mike Dunleavy Jr., Joe Lacob, James Wiseman, Jonathan Kuminga and Jordan Poole
Did Warriors’ two-timeline dreams close Steph Curry’s title window for good?
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) warms up before the game against the Dallas Mavericks at Chase Center.
Warriors’ Stephen Curry reveals offseason plan with Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler

Looney spent most of the summer recovering from a costal cartilage fracture — an injury he sustained in the NBA Finals against the Toronto Raptors. Meanwhile, he tweaked his hamstring during a practice session on Wednesday.

The Warriors filled up their frontcourt with Willie Cauley-Stein and Omari Spellman this offseason, once again displaying their eye for talent and relentlessness in improving their roster. Given that they're new pickups, however, it might take a while before the two completely learn Steve Kerr's system.

Golden State will still favor Looney above all else — for a very good reason. The 23-year-old will be entering his fifth year in the league. From being the third option on center, Looney is now considered a key foundational piece of the Warriors.

Last season was a particularly important year for the UCLA product. He played 80 games (23 starts) and logged in career-highs of 6.3 points and 5.2 rebounds across 18.5 minutes per game. Come the postseason, he also had career-bests: 7.1 points per game and 4.5 rebounds on 20.5 minutes per outing.