The Golden State Warriors are in a major slump, both on the court and on the injury report. They've now lost four games in a row and six of their last seven, largely due to the injuries they've been grappling with.

Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler were the catalysts on offense, but due to both of their injuries, the Warriors have been left floundering. They're just 7-15 since Butler tore his ACL on January 19th and 5-11 since Curry's been sidelined due to his lingering knee issue.

The only silver lining to these injuries has been some of the players effectively stepping into bigger roles, such as Brandin Podziemski and Gui Santos.

After the Warriors lost to the Timberwolves on Friday night, where multiple Warriors left the game early due to injury, Podziemski shared how he approaches these injuries in a more positive manner.

"I look at it as a blessing in disguise just because it's an opportunity. You're able to build up confidence when you're out there, especially when there's no expectations and people probably think we're going to lose. It's a blessing for me just knowing that when other guys come back, that confidence that you build up, you can be ready to continue to show it when they get back."

Podziemski also discussed how he's approaching the next few games, knowing that many of his teammates won't be back yet, but will be returning eventually.

"As a competitor, you want to win. But for me, just game-by-game, just trying to put my best foot forward. Trying to help the young guys, the two-ways. Just bring your confidence along. There's light at the end of the tunnel, but until we see that light, it doesn't really matter."

Podziemski has stepped up into a major starting role since Curry has been sidelined, and the third-year guard has taken over the main point guard duties. Along the way, he's truly leveled up his game with the greater opportunity.

In 16 games since Curry first was sidelined at the end of January, Podziemski is averaging 15 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in just 31.8 minutes per game. 

It's a huge step up from his stats prior to the injury, when he was averaging 12.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 26.8 minutes per game.

One of the biggest things Podziemski has been able to provide is simply availability. He's played every single game this season — the only Warrior to do so and one of 27 players in the entire NBA to have played 66 or more games this season.

The Warriors may not have wanted Podziemski to need to carry such a big load this season, but he's performed admirably in this situation nonetheless.