The 2026-27 NBA season is finally here, but the Golden State Warriors are rolling into their opener against the Los Angeles Lakers far from full strength. Forget the usual bumps and bruises: the biggest bombshell dropping is that Kristaps Porziņģis, an All-Star, is reportedly considering calling it a career and isn’t even *with the team* for game one.
The Dubs’ Injury Nightmare Before Tip-Off
This isn’t just about a couple of minor knocks. While the Lakers are looking fairly healthy for their first game, the Warriors’ injury report reads like a horror novel. Let’s start with the immediate impact. Brandin Podziemski, who just inked a massive five-year, $110 million deal and shined in preseason, is out with bilateral low back soreness. Total bummer, especially since he’s expected to have a huge role this season. Good news is he isn’t expected to be out long.
Then there’s Charles Bassey. He might have been in line to start tonight, even started the preseason finale, but a mild injury suffered in that game means he’s out with right patellar tendinopathy. Like Podziemski, it’s not considered serious, and he should be back on the court soon. With both Bassey and Porziņģis out, get ready to see a lot of Graham Ike at center.
But the real gut punches? Jimmy Butler III is still sidelined indefinitely, recovering from right ACL repair surgery and targeting a second-half return. And Moses Moody, who ended his 2025-26 season with a right patellar tendon repair surgery, is still a few months away from returning. There’s no set timetable, which is always frustrating for fans.
The Curry Scare That Had Everyone Holding Their Breath
Talk about a heart attack moment! When Steph Curry limped off the court at open practice on Sunday with right ankle soreness, the entire league probably stopped breathing. We all braced for the worst, right? But thankfully, the man, the legend, is probable and expected to play in the opener! Seriously, how does he do it? That’s the kind of toughness you need to kick off a new season.
Lakers Aren’t Totally Spared, But Close
The Lakers, while largely healthier, aren’t completely in the clear. Collin Sexton, who was set for a huge role in his first year with the purple and gold, has a right soleus strain and his debut will have to wait. He shouldn’t be sidelined long. And Cameron Carr, a late first-round pick after a breakout year at Baylor, is also out with a right oblique strain. His NBA debut won’t be tonight either, but he likely won’t have to wait long.
What a way to kick off the season, right? The Dubs have some serious questions to answer right out of the gate, especially with that Porziņģis situation hanging over everything. You know the Lakers will be looking to capitalize on this less-than-full-strength Warriors squad. It’s the opener, so every game sets the tone. We’ll be watching closely to see who steps up and how the Warriors manage this mountain of injuries.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Golden State of Mind.
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