Will Richard Starting vs. Wizards With Melton Out

Will Richard Starting for Golden State Warriors vs. Washington Wizards (March 27, 2026)

Golden State Warriors guard Will Richard is stepping into the starting lineup on Friday night as the Warriors face the Washington Wizards. The move comes after De'Anthony Melton was ruled out due to a knee injury, creating an opportunity for the 23-year-old Richard to showcase his abilities in a featured role. For fantasy basketball managers and Warriors fans alike, this is a must-watch development heading into the evening's slate of games.

According to CBS Sports, Richard has been confirmed as a starter versus Washington, making this one of the more notable lineup shifts of the day across the league.

Why Will Richard Is Starting Tonight

The immediate reason for Richard's promotion is straightforward: De'Anthony Melton has been given the night off due to a knee injury, leaving a vacancy in Golden State's starting five. Melton, who has been a reliable contributor for the Warriors this season, will sit out Friday's matchup, and head coach Steve Kerr turned to Richard to fill the void.

This isn't a completely unfamiliar situation for Richard. The young guard has been in and out of the starting lineup throughout the season, giving him some experience operating alongside the first unit. His athleticism, defensive instincts, and developing offensive game make him a reasonable fit as a temporary starter while Melton recovers.

For fantasy basketball purposes, the move is particularly significant. Any time a player shifts from bench to starter — even temporarily — it typically comes with a meaningful uptick in minutes and statistical opportunity. Richard's usage rate and time on the floor should both rise compared to his recent outings coming off the bench.

Will Richard's Stats as a Starter This Season

This will not be Richard's first experience in the starting lineup in 2025-26. He has started 19 games this season, accumulating a solid statistical baseline that gives a reasonable preview of what to expect from him in tonight's matchup.

In those 19 starts, Richard averages:

• 8.6 points per game
• 3.5 rebounds per game
• 1.8 assists per game
• 1.4 steals per game
• 0.2 blocks per game

The steal number stands out in particular. Averaging 1.4 steals per game as a starter is an elite mark that reflects Richard's active hands and high defensive IQ. It's a category that fantasy managers in per-game or total-accumulation formats will want to take notice of, especially against a Washington Wizards squad that has had its share of turnover issues this season.

His 8.6 points per start is modest but functional, and paired with solid rebounding for a guard, his overall floor contribution is respectable. Richard isn't yet a player you'd build a fantasy lineup around as a primary piece, but as a streamer or spot-start option on a night where he's in the starting five, the value is clear.

Will Richard's Season Journey: From Starter to Bench and Back

Will Richard's 2025-26 season has been a winding road. Early in the year, he was running with the starters and building momentum as a potential rotation fixture in Golden State's lineup. At various points, he was given playing time alongside the first unit during practices and game situations, suggesting the coaching staff saw real potential in his development.

However, like many young players on a team with veteran depth, Richard was eventually bumped back to the second unit as the season progressed. Playing time and starting roles on a team like the Warriors — which routinely balances development with championship aspirations — can be unpredictable for players in their early careers.

Earlier this season, Richard was cleared from an injury report, which had briefly raised questions about his availability. That clearance allowed him to continue contributing in whatever role the team assigned him. He also turned in an eight-point performance in a loss earlier in the campaign, a reminder that even off nights don't necessarily diminish a young player's long-term trajectory.

Now, with Melton sidelined, Richard gets another crack at proving himself in a starting capacity. At just 23 years old, he is still very much in the early stages of what could be a meaningful NBA career.

What to Expect From Richard Against Washington

The Washington Wizards are not a team that typically poses a stiff defensive challenge, making this a favorable matchup for Richard to have a productive night. Washington has been one of the league's rebuilding franchises, and their defense has been exploitable for opposing guards throughout the season.

Given his starting role, here's what to reasonably expect from Richard on Friday night:

• Increased minutes: Starting should guarantee Richard 25-35 minutes, a significant jump from bench appearances.
• Defensive activity: His 1.4 steals-per-start average suggests he could be disruptive on that end, especially against a Wizards team that can be careless with the ball.
• Opportunistic scoring: Richard doesn't force the issue offensively, but in an expanded role with more possessions, he has the chance to reach or exceed his 8.6-point starting average.
• Rebounding contribution: His 3.5 rebounds per start for a guard is a solid bonus, and with potentially more minutes in a favorable matchup, that number could climb.

Fantasy managers who have Richard on their roster or available on the waiver wire should strongly consider activating him for tonight's contest.

Will Richard's NBA Profile and Background

Will Richard is a 23-year-old guard who has been working to carve out his role in the NBA. Playing for the Golden State Warriors — a franchise with a rich tradition of developing young talent under coach Steve Kerr — puts him in an environment that has historically been beneficial for player growth.

Richard's skillset centers on his athleticism and defensive capabilities. The 1.4 steals per start suggests he has the lateral quickness and anticipation skills that translate at the professional level. Defensively engaged guards who can also contribute in transition are exactly the type of players modern NBA teams value, and Richard fits that mold.

Offensively, he is still rounding out his game, but his scoring and rebounding numbers in starting roles indicate he's capable of being a positive contributor even when the primary offensive options are elsewhere on the floor. The Warriors' system, which has long emphasized movement, spacing, and teamwork over isolation play, also suits a player of Richard's profile.

Frequently Asked Questions About Will Richard

Why is Will Richard starting tonight?

Will Richard is starting Friday's game against the Washington Wizards because De'Anthony Melton has been given the night off due to a knee injury. With Melton unavailable, Golden State turned to Richard to fill the starting spot, as confirmed by CBS Sports.

How old is Will Richard?

Will Richard is 23 years old, making him one of the younger players in Golden State's rotation. He is still in the developmental phase of his NBA career.

What are Will Richard's stats when he starts?

In his 19 starts this season, Richard averages 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.2 blocks per game. His steal average is a notable standout for a player of his age and experience level.

Should I start Will Richard in fantasy basketball tonight?

Yes, Richard is a strong streaming candidate for Friday night's game. His confirmed starter status against Washington, combined with his per-game averages in starting roles — particularly the 1.4 steals — make him worth rostering and starting in most fantasy formats if he is available.

How many times has Will Richard started this season?

Richard has started 19 games during the 2025-26 NBA season, giving him meaningful experience operating as part of the Warriors' starting lineup before tonight's matchup.

Conclusion

Will Richard's start against the Washington Wizards on March 27, 2026 is a meaningful storyline for Warriors fans and fantasy basketball players alike. Stepping in for the injured De'Anthony Melton, the 23-year-old guard brings legitimate two-way value to the starting unit, particularly in the form of his active defensive presence and 1.4 steals per start.

Richard has been in this position before — having started 19 games this season — so the moment shouldn't be too large for him. With a favorable matchup against Washington and expanded minutes expected, this is a prime opportunity for Richard to make a statement and remind the league of his potential as a developing NBA talent.

Keep an eye on his performance tonight, as it could have implications not only for tonight's fantasy lineups but for his role in Golden State's rotation going forward. For the latest updates on Richard's status and performance, follow coverage at CBS Sports.