標籤: Warriors

of west ham united Mateus Fernandes is on Jose Mourinho’s hit list as he prepares to rebuild at Real Madrid.

AS report The Portuguese manager likes the West Ham midfielder and will consider signing him this summer.

Real Madrid rebuilding

The newspaper reports that Jose Mourinho wants to see ‘eleven loyal warriors’ on the pitch in the team he is envisioning for his second spell at the Santiago Bernabeu.

He is prioritizing the common good over personal glory and has already prepared a list of suggestions for players to sign. While President Florentino Pérez is planning a big, signing of the Galactico, Mourinho has other ideas.

West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes is one of the players on their list after becoming ‘one of the sensations’ of the Premier League this season.

Despite West Ham falling short in the Championship, the 21-year-old has earned praise across Europe for his performances. The allegation makes a move ‘convenient’, with the Hammers needing a sale of €150m this summer.

The midfielder is also represented by Jorge Mendes, which should help matters. He has been enjoying an improving relationship with the Spanish giants in recent months.

West Ham wants £80 million

Fernandes is also on the shortlist at Liverpool and Arsenal, with his price tag set at £80million. Reports have also linked PSG with a bid.

It remains to be seen whether Real Madrid want to spend it or not. But Florentino Perez has promised big spending in the summer if he wins election on Sunday.

Whether Mateus Fernandes fits into that idea, or would it instead be a direct request from Jose Mourinho, is debatable. For now, AS only say he is on the Portuguese manager’s list if he returns to the Bernabeu as expected.

This will be determined later this week, when Real Madrid’s elections are completed. Reports in Portugal indicate that a €15m deal has already been agreed to take over Mourinho from Benfica.

After that, it’s likely the transfer work will begin in earnest, and the West Ham star could find himself in the middle of it.

Netflix’s recent program, “The Roast of Kevin Hart,” was full of cruel jokes, including one featuring comedian Jeff Ross. Golden State Warriors Stars Draymond Green and Stephen Curry.

When it was time for him to speak, Ross took aim at Green, claiming he was “carried” by Curry throughout his time in the program and on the Warriors.

“Steph Curry couldn’t come tonight, but he took Draymond Green here,” Ross said before emphasizing not to take it personal with another cruel joke.

He said, “I love you, buddy. I won’t make fun of you because you’re violent. You’ve been kicked out more times than Kevin Hart’s DVD.”

In line with Ross’s joke, draymond green Has been fouled more than 20 times so far in his NBA career. That’s actually more than any other active player in the league.

Stephen Curry and Draymond Green have led the Warriors to four championships

Curry and Green have been teammates since 2012, when Green was drafted by the Golden State Warriors. At that time, Curry had already played in the league for four years.

Since then, he has been a part of the warrior dynasty. The team has won four NBA championships in this era, in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022. Green is a four-time NBA All-Star, and was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2017.

Additionally, he is a nine-time All-Defensive player, making five first teams and four second teams. Additionally, Green is also a four-time NBA All-Star, was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2017, and is a nine-time All-Defensive player, making five first teams and four second teams.

During this time, Stephen Curry Is a 12-time NBA All-Star. He is also a two-time league MVP, winning it consecutively in 2015 and 2016. Curry has also been named to the All-NBA First Team four times, and has made five All-NBA Second Teams.

In particular, Curry has become famous for his three-point shooting. The 38-year-old Ohio native has the most three-pointers in NBA history, nearly 1,000 more than the next highest player (James Harden). He also holds the record for most three-pointers in a season, making 402 during the 2015–16 season.

Since his first foray into online journalism in 2019, Peter Okereke has written widely on entertainment, politics and pop… More about Peter Okereke

Florida coach Todd Golden has spoken for the first time since rumors of him possibly replacing Steve Kerr as head coach of the Golden State Warriors.

It’s going to be an interesting offseason for the Warriors. After starting the season as a secret horse in the West, injuries to Jimmy Butler and Stephen Curry completely derailed their hopes of making a splash in the conference this season.

Last week, their season came to a sad end as they were eliminated from playoff contention in the play-in tournament and finished with their second losing record in the last 14 seasons. Change is definitely coming. It’s definitely coming to the roster, but it could also be on the bench since Kerr is no longer under contract.

After their play-in loss, Kerr suggested that he would like to continue working with Curry. However, it is not clear whether that is what he and the organization want. That is why speculation has intensified as to who could be his replacement. One notable name that has come up through rumors is Gators coach Todd Golden.

Todd Golden calms down Golden State Warriors talk

The 40-year-old has emerged as one of the elite coaches in college basketball during his four seasons at Florida. They have been taken to the NCAA Tournament each of the last three seasons, including a championship win last year. However, Golden shut down the recent rumors on Thursday.

“I definitely plan on coaching the Gators,” Golden said when asked about the rumors in his first press conference after the Gators lost in the second round of the tournament.

A recent report suggested that New York Knicks coach Mike Brown – who was Kerr’s former top assistant – and Brooklyn Nets coach Jordi Fernandez would be at the top of the Warriors’ wish list if the legendary coach does not return in 2026-27.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

A new rumor points to the All-Star being the Golden State Warriors’ top target this summer. However, there is one important hurdle that must be overcome first.

After entering the season as a secret contender in the West, injuries to Golden State’s top two players completely derailed their NBA Finals aspirations. Finishing the season with a 37-45 record and missing the playoffs guarantees that change is definitely coming for the Warriors this offseason.

Over the past few weeks, rumors and speculation have been rife that NBA greats like LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kawhi Leonard will be on the team’s radar. But who’s really at the top of their wish list? A new report has shed new light on that question.

“League sources say the Warriors were the team that most aggressively traded for the Clippers’ Leonard in the final stretch before the league’s Feb. 5 trade deadline, while the Clippers had already traded James Harden and Ivica Zubac that same week,” Mark Stein reported at Steinline.

Why will Kawhi Leonard be the Warriors’ top target this summer?

The Warriors reportedly made a play for James in a trade a few years ago. He has also been viewed as a top contender if he tests free agency this offseason. Golden State was reportedly very aggressive in looking for an Antetokounmpo trade even before the deadline.

If James does decide to retire this summer he will need to take a significant pay cut to play for the Warriors. While they will have more assets to offer this offseason, if their original trade package wasn’t enough to convince the Milwaukee Bucks in February, will it really be enough in a few months?

Leonard brings a lot of risk. But there is a real possibility that his contract could be voided, and he may be more willing than James to take a discounted rate to play for a contender. Or the Clippers may want to trade him. The cost to acquire the seven-time All-Star would be much lower than that of Antetokounmpo due to Leonard’s age and long injury history.

Considering how hard they were going after him before the trade deadline, it would make a lot of sense for Leonard to be the Warriors’ top target in the offseason. However, Steen noted a major obstacle in the pursuit of Leonard or any experienced star.

He wrote, “However, whether the Warriors re-emerge as a contender will depend on whether Steve Kerr returns as Golden State’s coach after 12 seasons.” “If Kerr is rehired as the coach of this team, it would be a very strong signal that the Warriors will try to assemble at least one more season of experienced players around Stephen Curry to try to compete. Conversely, if the two sides part ways, it could signal the beginning of a real Bay Area overhaul.”

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

It seems like neither Stephen Curry nor coach Steve Kerr are ready to give up on each other or the Golden State Warriors just yet.

Earlier this week, there was renewed excitement about the Warriors after Curry was in great form during a 126-121 NBA play-in tournament win over the Los Angeles Clippers. Boy, can things change fast in a matter of days.

On Friday night, they head into their second play-in game, this time against the Phoenix Suns, trying to hold off the eighth seed in the West. They finished the first quarter trailing 33–15, had trouble leading the rest of the night and fell behind by a score of 111–97. It capped off a very disappointing 37-45 season that started with no real NBA Finals aspirations.

The loss created immediate speculation about the future of Curry, Kerr and fellow key member of their dynasty, Draymond Green. Curry turned 38 last month and has struggled to compete in half the games this season due to injuries. Kerr is looking battle weary over the past few years and looks like he needs a break. Green is as volatile as ever, but he’s not as effective on the court as he was during his prime.

Stephen Curry and Steve Kerr look set to return in 2026-27

Still, despite the notion that one or two of them might be gone after this season, it seems like they’re not ready to give up on each other just yet. After their loss to the Suns, Curry was optimistic that he would fully heal his troublesome knee and thought he had “many” years left in his career. Furthermore, he claimed that he is ready to sign an extension with the team. One might assume it’s for slightly less money, but with additional guarantee years.

Many felt that Kerr could enjoy his success by taking a break from coaching. But it looks like he’s not going anywhere.

“I don’t want to move away from Steph. I’m definitely not going to go and coach anywhere else in the NBA next year,” he said Friday night. “…I’ll never walk away from Steph.”

The 12-time All-Star has one season and more than $62 million left on his current contract. Kerr is officially a coaching free agent after this season.

Draymond Green hopes he’s done enough to return to the Warriors in 2026-27

Draymond Green; “I’m not retiring.”

“Hopefully I’ve still tried hard enough to be here.”

Full Drummond Soundbite on His Future pic.twitter.com/AMDbWACHFF

– Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) 18 April 2026

So what does this mean for the Greens? He was ejected from the bench in the final minutes of the game for arguing with Suns superstar Devin Booker, and his erratic behavior still has not diminished with age. Well, he hopes he is still with the same team he played for in 2026-27 as well.

“I hope I’ve done enough to still be here,” he said after the loss. “At the end of the day, if I haven’t done enough work, I don’t want to be here. I don’t want this to be a [situation] Where ‘we keep him only for what he has done before’.”

There has been much speculation that the Warriors could try to trade Green this offseason. However, he recently admitted that he is also willing to take a team waiver for an extension in order to stay with the Warriors for a few more seasons.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

A new rumor has added a team to this summer’s Giannis Antetokounmpo trade pursuit that would be a major threat to the New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves.

The story of whether or not the Milwaukee Bucks will trade Antetokounmpo dominated the NBA news cycle in early 2026. Especially when reports surfaced that the team was listening to trade offers ahead of the February trade deadline. However, February 6 passed and the 10-time All-Star remained in Wisconsin.

Still, the expectation was that trading would resume this summer. It appears the matter is now at a standstill as Antetokounmpo and the team have clashed over his return to the court in the final weeks of the season. Well, just like before the deadline, the Knicks, Warriors, Timberwolves and many other teams are expected to be the top contenders for the two-time NBA MVP.

Those franchise offerings will be refined this summer. But will that be enough to defeat the Brooklyn Nets, because, according to the New York Post’s Brian Lewis, after appearing disinterested in pursuing a star player again, it is now certain that Brooklyn will “tell the Bucks their desired superstar this summer.”

What could the Brooklyn Nets offer in a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade?

From this year to 2030, the Nets have eight first-round selections. Which includes two pieces in 2027, 2028 and 2029. A lot of draft picks will be a key part of any offer Milwaukee accepts for Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Brooklyn will have plenty of them in future years. Another priority for the Bucks will be adding young stars.

The Nets could offer Michael Porter Jr. one season remaining on his contract. He certainly has value after a career year in 2025-26. The big question is whether Milwaukee will see the value in players like Nic Claxton and the team’s five first-round selections from the 2025 class – Igor Demin, Nolan Traore, Drake Powell, Ben Saraf (26th), and Danny Wolf.

Furthermore, while Antetokounmpo wants to play in New York, he may not have any interest in joining a Nets franchise that is known for losing heavily throughout its history.

At the very least, the Nets should be a player in the Antetokounmpo trade market and could make a strong offer that should worry teams like the Knicks, Warriors and Timberwolves.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has been a key part of the organization’s turnaround with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. Kerr has won four NBA Finals since joining Golden State in 2014. However, could the Warriors head coach be nearing the end of his tenure with the organization?

As Tim Kawakami of The San Francisco Standard reported, the most likely scenario is Kerr returning to the Warriors for a “Last Dance” during the 2026–27 NBA season. This will likely be the 60-year-old’s final season coaching Golden State. At the moment, Kawakami believes Kerr has not fully made his decision.

Kerr is currently in the final season of a two-year extension. If Kerr and the Warriors wish to continue their partnership, they must reach a contract extension before the 2026–27 NBA season. After all, there are reasons for Kerr to return, as Golden State is expected to make some major upgrades.

It has been widely speculated that Kerr wants to retire at the same time as Curry, but it is unclear when the star point guard plans to step away from basketball. Curry is likely to retire in the next few seasons as he approaches age 40, but if Kerr has a “last dance,” he may not step down all together.

Kerr has been one of the NBA’s best head coaches since 2014, and the Warriors will leave an era that featured incredible success. Curry and Green are no longer in their prime, but other players like Brandin Podziemski are trying to pave the way moving forward in Golden State.

The Warriors’ last NBA Finals win was in 2022, and if Kerr returns for another season, the team hopes to find that magic again.

READ MORE: Report reveals update on Draymond Green’s future amid Steve Kerr rumors

Austin Konensky is a sports writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and college football. His work…More about Austin Konensky

A Golden State Warriors insider believes an elite star forward should be a top target for the team this summer. However, now it’s Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.

It’s been another disappointing season for the Warriors and their fans. After appearing likely to reach the NBA Finals a year ago, Stephen Curry’s hamstring injury dashed those hopes. However, he entered this season with big aspirations after building chemistry with Jimmy Butler over the summer.

However, Butler tore his ACL in January just when the team finally got on a roll. Due to this once again their title hopes were dashed. Nevertheless, the team made a bold move to try to save those plans by trading for Antetokounmpo in February. Obviously, he did not achieve that goal. But hopefully they can target him again this summer.

However, San Francisco Standard Warriors columnist Tim Kawakami believes there is a more sensible option. Instead of giving up the burden of the draft and player assets for the 10-time All-Star, Kawakami thinks Golden State should target Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard.

A case for the Warriors to target Kawhi Leonard this summer

Interestingly, they would not land Leonard in a trade, although there are rumors he could be available. Instead, Kawakami wants to see the Warriors sign the seven-time All-Star in free agency. This could be a possibility as rumors continue to swirl that the NBA may soon void his Clippers contract due to the questionable practices LA used to sign him a few years ago.

The Warriors insider detailed a two-pronged plan to add the 34-year-old, who is having a great season. First, the team will need to come under the first salary tax threshold. He noted that the team had six players signed for next season, including Butler and Moses Moody, who would not be available until the second half of the season.

They will then “attempt to sign both Draymond Green (to replace his $27.7 million player option) and Kristaps Porzingis to moderate two-year deals, probably both around two years, $40 million.” This would give the franchise “approximately $184 million in total commitments for eight players”. Then add $6 million for a player taken in Round 1 of the NBA Draft – that pick will likely be around No. 11. Taking them to $194 million, which is $11 million under the tax threshold.

The second part of the plan will try to convince Leonard to join the team on the $15 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception. He admits it’s not a guarantee, but adding a high-impact player with championship potential when fully healthy is the best option.

It’s a plan that will require a bit of luck, but the chance to get on the Warriors roster and a stud prospect in the lottery may appeal to Leonard if he wants to stay in California and pursue another championship. Additionally, popular NBA expert Bill Simmons recently outlined several reasons why an Antetokounmpo trade would be a bad idea for the Warriors.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

The 2025-26 season isn’t even remotely going as planned for the Golden State Warriors. After the 2025 NBA Playoffs gave the franchise hope that if they could get everyone healthy in time for the playoffs, they could compete with the best, the Warriors’ injury problems have worsened this season.

Jimmy Butler tore his ACL, sending Stephen Curry’s co-star to recover – largely destroying the Warriors’ title hopes. They traded for Kristaps Porzingis, who has been missing regular time due to illness. Moses Moody has suffered a nasty knee injury which is sure to keep him out for a while. And now, even Curry is battling persistent knee troubles, which has cast such a huge cloud of uncertainty over the team.

Still, as the old saying goes, it’s not over until it’s over. The Warriors are still in the postseason picture, and unless they are eliminated, there is a chance they can make things difficult for at least the San Antonio Spurs or the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs.

At this point, qualifying for the playoffs in any capacity is already a huge win. This season is long lost for the Dubs, and there is no way they can force Curry to return before his body is ready.

That said, this is the Warriors’ dream seeding and matchup scenario heading into the 2026 NBA Playoffs.

Warriors dream scenario: Earn the eighth seed, Stephen Curry gets healthy

At the time of writing, the Warriors have a record of 34–38, as their difficult month of March (they went 3–9 in the calendar month) has caused their decline in the Western Conference standings. They find life extremely difficult without Curry, as they don’t have enough fire and star power to survive in a loaded conference without their best player, making life easier for the rest of the roster.

Now, discussing the shortcomings of the roster is not the subject of this article. But to summarize, the Warriors have a roster full of role players and support players that can’t increase their production as much when their best player is gone, leading to a lot of inconsistencies from game to game.

And Curry’s return doesn’t seem imminent; While the Warriors are insisting he is on track with his recovery, he was not able to participate in 5-on-5 scrimmages over the weekend, while the team initially hoped he would. This knee injury may be more serious than the Dubs have indicated, although that shouldn’t be a surprise considering Curry is 38 years old.

But unless Curry is sidelined for the rest of the season, the Warriors hope they can keep things competitive in the play-in tournament picture. If Curry is ultimately ruled out of the play-in tournament game, it is safe to say that the Dubs will not be favored in any way in any games against other potential play-in teams in the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers.

However, if Curry returns, it changes the equation drastically in the Warriors’ favor. Curry is a big-game player who has gone through every battle imaginable during his NBA career, and there is no way he should be fazed in a game. There will be concerns about his form when he returns from injury, but he has performed brilliantly in the past after returning from a long absence.

Curry will get the Warriors offense humming once again; Without running around the court to create space, the Dubs’ offense becomes stagnant and inefficient and overly reliant on making difficult shots. With Curry’s return, his teammates have reduced responsibilities, and they can move back into more comfortable supporting roles, restoring balance to the team.

If Curry comes back for the Warriors in the next week or so, it’s even better for the Warriors. This gives them a better chance of avoiding the dreaded 9/10 play-in tournament games. The Dubs’ play-in history isn’t very encouraging, so it’s important to give themselves a better chance of reaching the playoffs by giving them two chances to qualify instead of just one.

The Dubs are just two games behind the Clippers for eighth place in the conference, and that’s a deficit they can make up with 10 games remaining in the season.

The game against the Suns is very winnable at the moment; Injury problems have also hit the Suns badly, with Dillon Brooks and Mark Williams, who were key players for the team, currently on the mend. The Suns have been playing below .500 basketball in the month of March, and the Warriors can certainly give them a run for their money – especially with Curry back.

The blueprint for the Warriors to make the playoffs in this dream scenario is clear: They must earn the eighth seed (very possible with four games remaining against the Brooklyn Nets, Washington Wizards and Sacramento Kings, and a key matchup against the Clippers), defeat the Suns, and have a tough contest against the inexperienced San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs.

Now, the Warriors will be heavy underdogs in the playoff series against the Spurs. But Golden State is currently winning the season series against San Antonio (2-1). The caveat is that the Dubs had won these two wins before Butler’s season-ending injury. Still, this suggests he may remain with the Spurs in some capacity.

The potential playoff series against the Spurs also feels like a passing of the torch moment. As anyone may remember, a young, improved Warriors team led by Curry faced the Spurs in the 2013 NBA Playoffs and were defeated in a six-game first round playoff series.

Now, it’s the turn of the young, rising Spurs to face a more experienced team that is at the end of its competitive phase – which could be a fitting bookend to the true end of this Warriors dynasty.

The Dallas Mavericks are unable to catch any breaks this season as their troubles continue. On Monday, Daniel Gafford was forced to miss their game against the Golden State Warriors with a shoulder injury.

Gafford was playing great before being sent off late in the fourth quarter at American Airlines Center. The Mavericks announced that he would not return for the remainder of the game.

He finished with 20 points on a perfect 8-of-8 shooting. He also had seven rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block.

The Mavericks ultimately lost to the Warriors 137–131 in overtime.

Gafford has already missed more than 20 games this season due to various injuries. Entering the game against Golden State, he was averaging 9.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.2 blocks.

Dallas is already in fifth place, with Derek Lively II out for the season with a foot injury. The team acquired Marvin Bagley III at the trade deadline, but he is not a natural center. If Gafford sits out for an extended period of time, Dwight Powell could get extended minutes.

Cooper Flagg had a game-high 32 points on 12-of-19 shooting in the losing effort. He had four rebounds, nine assists and two steals, although he also had seven turnovers.

Bagley and PJ Washington combined for 18 points, three rebounds, five assists and three steals.

The Mavericks dropped their fourth consecutive assignment and lost 23–49. Meanwhile, the Warriors snapped their three-game losing streak and improved to 34–38.

Things won’t get easier for Dallas as they face the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday.

Amid All-Star Stephen Curry’s recovery from a right knee injury, Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski has taken on an increased role. As head coach Steve Kerr said after the three-game losing streak, the newfound opportunity has given Podziemski a boost in confidence. While Kerr’s reality check regarding the Warriors’ playoff approach was considered challenging, Kerr cannot ignore how beneficial it has been to Brandin.

Without Curry, Podziemski, in only his third season, will be one of the Warriors players Kerr will rely on, as these regular season reps will only make him better, Kerr said, according to Danny Ammerman of the San Francisco Standard.

“It’s a great experience for Brandin,” Kerr said Saturday in Atlanta. “I mean, 20 games without Steph.”

As for Podziemski, he’s learned a very important lesson amid Curry’s absence.

“[That] I can do it,” Podziemski said.

Brandin Podziemski struggled in the Warriors’ 126-110 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. He finished with five points and one assist on 2-for-6 shooting. However, he has been playing consistently well throughout March for the Warriors, averaging 16.2 points on 42.8% shooting, including 37.% from deep, 5.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.0 steals over the last 11 games.

Steve Kerr’s blunt opinion on Warriors’ ‘tough times’

Head coach Steve Kerr didn’t hold back about the Warriors struggling toward the finish line of the 2025-26 regular season without Stephen Curry. Kerr says Warriors have suffered eight defeats in nine tries this is the hardest part According to Warriors reporter Joseph Dykes, he talked about being an NBA coach for a team struggling with injuries.

“This is the hardest thing to go through,” Kerr said. “Losing and getting destroyed by injuries. And feeling like you’re pushing, you’re trying, you’re competing, but things aren’t going your way. It’s definitely a tough, tough time for everybody. It’s human nature to get down, hang your head.”

“Certainly, it’s a tough, tough time, for everybody, it’s human nature to, you know, kind of keep your head down.”

Steve Kerr after the Warriors’ loss to the Hawks. pic.twitter.com/nqpCMusnkI

-Joseph Dycus (@joseph_dycus) 22 March 2026

The Warriors, 33-38, have dropped to 10th, 1.5 games behind the Blazers for ninth in the Western Conference standings.

Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry has not played since Jan. 30 and has missed each of the team’s last 21 games due to what the team is repeatedly labeling as patella-femoral pain syndrome and a bone bruise in his right kneecap.

This injury has been causing persistent discomfort and swelling since before the All-Star break, causing Curry to be absent for an extended period of time.

Before Saturday’s 126-110 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, the Warriors announced that Curry continued to make “good progress” in his return and has stepped up his individual workouts. The next step, as outlined in the team’s injury update, will be to integrate him into live action and team practices in the coming days.

Head coach Steve Kerr said over the weekend that he expected Steph to participate in 5-on-5 drills on Sunday.

Unfortunately for Curry and the Warriors, he did not participate in Sunday’s 5-on-5 drills, league sources tell ClutchPoints. However, team sources are adamant that it is not being viewed as a setback and that Curry is on the same recovery timeline that was provided on Saturday.

He is expected to continue his on-court activities and will be re-evaluated when the team returns to San Francisco after Monday night’s game in Dallas.

The Warriors have been out of an abundance of caution regarding Curry’s right knee issue, which is why he was given an extra day of practice before returning to 5-on-5 play.

As reported by ClutchPoints ahead of the team’s update on Steph’s status on Saturday, the Warriors were optimistic about Curry’s return at some point following their six-game road trip. Upon returning home, seven of the team’s final 10 games of the season will be played at Chase Center, allowing Curry to receive maximum treatment for his right knee and not require him to travel as much.

For several weeks, the Warriors have been hopeful that Steph will be able to return for at least one of their two home games against the Brooklyn Nets and Washington Wizards on March 25 and March 27, respectively.

Sources said that mentality hasn’t changed, yet everything will depend on how he feels in practice Tuesday and what is said upon re-evaluation in San Francisco.

Overall, Curry and the Warriors have insisted that he not be locked up for the remainder of the 2025-26 season. Steph wants to play again before the end of the regular season, and the team remains optimistic about its chances of being competitive in the play-in tournament with Curry, despite falling in the standings without him.

In their last 21 games without Steph, Golden State has gone 6-15, 1.5 games behind the Phoenix Suns for the 7-seed and now 1.5 games behind the Portland Trail Blazers for the 9-seed in the Western Conference.

A loss to the Mavericks on Monday night would put the Warriors in an even deeper hole as the 10-seed in the West.

During his recovery process, the Warriors remained adamant that Curry had not suffered a concussion and that his injury, described as “runner’s knee”, had resulted in prolonged pain and swelling that persisted longer than originally expected.

Multiple tests and imaging confirmed that there was no further structural damage to his right knee.

As for the team’s other injury concerns, running back Moses Moody, who hasn’t played since March 2 because of a right wrist sprain, is considered questionable to play Monday night at Dallas. Veteran big man Al Horford is out with a right calf strain, but the Warriors remain optimistic he will return before the end of the regular season.

The Warriors are currently 33-38 and have lost eight of their last nine games as of Monday night.

ATLANTA – The Atlanta Hawks had their 11-game winning streak snapped last night against the Houston Rockets in a way they probably didn’t want to. The good news was that he got a chance to get the best taste out of his mouth the next night against the Golden State Warriors. Unfortunately, they had to do it without Jalen Johnson, who was out just hours before the game due to left shoulder inflammation.

In the first half of the game, the Hawks looked like they were missing their best player; Meanwhile, the Warriors were missing two of their best players and that made it interesting. It was the second half where things turned around and the Hawks put on a tremendous performance early in the third quarter, which ultimately helped them win the game by defeating the Warriors 126–110.

Although they were without Johnson, the Hawks got major contributions from several players, and it is something that has helped the team be successful this season.

“I think we’re a team, no matter who’s on the field, and different guys will do different things every night,” Quin Snyder said. “I think our group right now isn’t worried about who’s actually getting credit for the basket. They’re worried about our scoring, and when that happens, your team is better. We want to be greater than the sum of the parts, and when we’re missing a guy like Jalen, who is obviously important to our team, other guys have to pick it up, and it’ll be his turn when he comes back.”

Dyson Daniels did everything for the Hawks in this one, finishing the game with 28 points, seven rebounds and six assists.

“I do a little bit of everything and try to build momentum,” Daniels said. “Defense is where I’ve found my niche in this league, so that’s always going to be my number one, and then being able to push the pace, try and get my feet in the paint, find my teammates, and be able to hit some shots tonight.”

Mohamed Gueye started in Johnson’s place, and like most times this season, when it’s his turn to play a bigger role, he performs well. He couldn’t miss, as he made 6 of 6 shots from the field and finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds.

“Every night is the same for me,” Guay said. “I’m just trying to come in and do my thing. Tonight I was fully prepared with the threes, and I made them, so hopefully next time I’ll be fully prepared as well.”

The third quarter changed the situation for the Hawks and a 25-5 run gave them a 24-point lead. CJ McCollum led the way in the bucket-getting category and scored 13 points in that quarter alone.

“The whole team stepped up defensively and got some stops, and were able to get out and get some easier, better looks,” Snyder said. “Obviously, CJ’s shot-making was really big during that time, too.”

The Hawks went ahead by a lot in the fourth quarter as the Warriors didn’t have enough juice to score in the fourth. With the win, the Hawks are still in the driver’s seat, and with the losses to Miami and Orlando, they still sit at No. 6 in the Eastern Conference standings.

“It was one of those things that we needed and it was a critical time for us,” Daniels said. “We needed a win, so I’m glad we got this win.”

The Detroit Pistons are officially headed back to the postseason. Detroit became the first team from the Eastern Conference to clinch a spot in the 2026 NBA Playoffs after an impressive 115-101 win over the Golden State Warriors on Friday night. This is the second consecutive year the Motor City will see playoff basketball, a feat that seemed nearly impossible just two seasons ago when the franchise finished with a league-worst 14–68 record.

Even without star guard Cade Cunningham, who is out with a chest injury, the Detroit Pistons did not lose a win at Little Caesars Arena. Jalen Duren led the offense with 23 points in just 21 minutes of action.

With Cunningham out, Dennis Jenkins stepped into the starting lineup and looked like a seasoned veteran, having a near triple-double with 22 points, eight assists and seven rebounds. The Pistons relied on their inner strength and tirelessness to overcome an uncharacteristically cold shooting night, where they converted only five of their 21 attempts from beyond the arc.

Defensively, Detroit acted as a nightmare for a shorthanded Golden State Warriors team that already lacked the legendary Stephen Curry. Aussie Thompson put on a defensive masterclass, recording a career-high seven steals and disrupting passing lanes all evening.

His activity helped the Warriors force an astonishing 26 turnovers, which the Pistons efficiently converted into 32 easy points. Brandin Podziemski led the visitors with 15 points, but Golden State struggled to find a rhythm after Kristaps Porzingis left the game in the first half due to lower back pain.

The win moved the Detroit Pistons to a perfect 51–19 record, maintaining a comfortable 4.5-game lead over the top-seeded Boston Celtics in the East. While the ultimate goal is a deep run in April and May, achieving it early proves how far this young core has come.

The LA Clippers were the hottest team in the NBA entering Saturday night’s contest against the worst team in the NBA. The Sacramento Kings entered the contest with a league-worst record of 16–51, while the Clippers had won 28 of their previous 39 games, coming back from 15 games under .500 in a single season to climb above .500 for the first time.

What followed was a potentially season-changing play.

The Clippers lost the game against the shorthanded Kings, 118–109, but it was a contest in which they fell behind by 20 points and never got involved. There was a stretch in the fourth quarter where the Clippers got within three, but it coincided with Kawhi Leonard, who suffered an injury in the first half that required stitches, exited the game with 9:27 remaining in the fourth quarter and did not return due to a sprained left ankle.

Leonard was out of favor in the next game against the San Antonio Spurs, leading to another loss against the second-best team in the NBA despite holding an 18-point lead in the first half. Benedict Mathurin suffered a toe injury in that loss that has kept him out of the Clippers’ three-game road trip, and depending on how his toe responds to rehab and treatment, it could keep him out even longer.

On Wednesday and Thursday the Clippers head to New Orleans to take on the Pelicans, a venue that has famously suited the franchise over the past half-decade. And if you’re a fan of the team, it was no surprise that the Clippers lost both games that Kawhi Leonard and Darius Garland played in, with both having to sit out.

This was seen as a huge opportunity for the Clippers to make a run at the Western Conference standings and potentially clinch a play-in berth. It was a long shot, but entering the Kings game on March 14, the Clippers climbed to a 34–32 record, trailing the seventh-seeded Phoenix Suns by just four games in the loss column and the Denver Nuggets by six games in the loss column.

The Clippers are now in a three-way tie for the 8th seed. The injuries came at the worst possible time, as they have now lost 4 games in a row (including the 3rd worst teams in the league).

LA has lost all its momentum and is unable to make any headway on the Suns, who have also lost 4 games… pic.twitter.com/qjZXrDvSCk

– Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) 20 March 2026

LA had a very favorable schedule based on strength of schedule and remaining advantage games compared to their opponents, while the Suns were facing a road trip that included the Toronto Raptors, Boston Celtics, Minnesota Timberwolves, and San Antonio Spurs.

Now the Clippers are riding a four-game losing streak, holding no lead on Phoenix despite their four-game losing streak, while the Golden State Warriors and Portland Trail Blazers come right behind them to try to avoid the dreaded 9-10 play-in game.

The Clippers are considered one of the easiest remaining schedule powers, with several games against the Dallas Mavericks and Milwaukee Bucks still on tap. However, it appears this season will be reduced to three games:

March 31 vs. Portland Trail Blazers
April 10 @Portland Trail Blazers
April 12 vs. Golden State Warriors

Entering Friday, the Clippers, Blazers and Warriors are all tied in the loss column with 36 losses. The Clippers are dealing with injuries to Kawhi Leonard and Benedict Mathurin, the Blazers are still without Shaddon Sharp, and the Warriors are without Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler.

LA currently holds a 2-1 series lead over the Warriors with one game remaining on the final day of the season. Last season, the Clippers and Warriors played a game on the final day of the NBA regular season to decide who would receive a top-six seed and who would advance to the play-in tournament.

The Clippers currently lead 2–0 in their season series against the Trail Blazers, with two more games in the final two weeks of the season.

It remains to be seen how troublesome Kawhi Leonard’s ankle injury is and how serious Benedict Mathurin’s toe injury is, but with the Blazers having won four of their last six games and the Warriors expected to get Stephen Curry back by the end of the month, we could be in for an epic battle for play-in positioning.

The Detroit Pistons host the Golden State Warriors on Friday, and All-Star big man Jalen Duren is listed as questionable on the injury report. Duren has been dealing with right ankle pain, although he has not missed any games recently. LJ Cryer is likely on the injury report for the Warriors as he deals with a hamstring injury. Here’s everything we know about Jalen Duren’s injury and his playing status against the Warriors.

Jalen Duren’s injury status vs. Warriors

Given that Jalen Duren is questionable on the Pistons’ injury report against the Warriors, he’s likely to be a game-time decision. The last time Duren missed a game due to injury was on February 6. The No. 13 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, Duren is in the midst of his career season. He was selected for his first All-Star appearance.

Duran has appeared in 59 games this season, averaging a little over 27 minutes per game. He averaged career highs of 19.1 points, 10.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists while splitting 64.1 percent shooting from the field and 72.8 percent shooting from the free-throw line.

So when it comes to the question of whether or not Jalen Duren is playing against the Warriors tonight, the answer is to wait and see as it gets closer to tip-off.

piston injury report

-Cade Cunningham out (pneumothorax of left lung)
-Jalen Duren questionable (right ankle soreness).
-Kevin Huerter doubtful (right shoulder injury)
-Isaac Jones out (G League two-way)
-Bobby Clintman out (G League assignment)
-Wendell Moore Jr. out (G League two-way)
-Marcus Sasser out (right hip soreness)
-Isiah Stewart out (right calf strain)

warriors injury report

-Jimmy Butler out (right ACL surgery)
-LJ Cryer probable (left hamstring injury management)
-Seth Curry out (left adductor strain)
-Stephen Curry out (right patellofemoral pain syndrome)
-Al Horford out (right soleus strain)
-Moses Moody out (right wrist sprain)
-Quinton Post out (right foot injury)

It may be hard to remember now, but the Golden State Warriors once had high expectations for the 2025-26 season. Their 2025 NBA playoff run ended in the second round, but that was mostly due to Stephen Curry’s hamstring injury, which the Dubs did not force him to return prematurely.

However, the Warriors’ injury problems went from bad to worse this season. In fact, his injury situation has been straight up one of his nightmares. First, an errant pass from Brandin Podziemski caused Jimmy Butler to go down with a torn ACL. And now, Curry is dealing with persistent knee problems that are unlikely to go away, considering he is already 38 years old.

The Dubs then complicated matters by acquiring Kristaps Porzingis, a man who is battling a chronic illness, and veteran big man Al Horford is also sidelined. Same goes for Moses Moody.

As a result, the Warriors have fallen off a cliff, and are now the 10th-place team in the Western Conference with a 33-36 record. This isn’t at all what the Dubs imagined their 2025-26 season would look like, and given the uncertainty surrounding Curry’s injury status, there doesn’t appear to be much hope available for the team as far as their competitive dreams this year go.

The Warriors will be hoping to make the most of Curry’s final comeback and at least qualify for the playoffs. However, things can always go from bad to worse in the NBA.

Warriors’ nightmare scenario: Finish 10th, lose 9/10 play-in games

If there’s a silver lining to the Warriors’ current situation, it’s that they’ll have to try and lose on purpose so they’re completely out of the play-in tournament picture. The Dubs are only 13 games into the season, and they are 8.5 games ahead of the 11th-place Memphis Grizzlies in the win-loss column.

Not only is this an insurmountable loss for the Grizzlies, but Memphis also has no incentive to do so given that they have embarked on a major rebuild.

However, it only provides cool comfort. They have gone just 2-8 in their last 10 games. They’re putting together a ragtag group on a nightly basis, and they’re playing in the background most nights. Curry is close to returning, but there is no specific timeline yet for when he will be back.

Another good news is that the rest of the Dubs’ schedule isn’t too difficult. According to Tankathon, they have the 22nd toughest schedule left, with only six of their last 13 games coming against teams above .500. However, the Los Angeles Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers, both the teams they are battling for in the battle for the eighth seed, somehow have easier schedules.

Combined with this and Curry’s absence, it is difficult to support the Warriors as a favorite for the eighth or ninth seed. The Clippers have faced another tough stretch (at least it feels like they have), and Benedict Mathurin will be sidelined indefinitely, but they have Kawhi Leonard and Darius Garland healthy. Meanwhile, the Blazers have Deni Avdija leading the way, as he has played in all of their last six games.

Getting the 10th seed would be a nightmare for the Warriors. For starters, it will force them to play their 9/10 play-in games on the road. This season, the Warriors have a 14–21 record away from Chase Center (compared to 19–15 at home). Facing a must-win situation without the support of the home crowd doesn’t sound very attractive.

Of course, the Warriors have the advantage of experience compared to the Blazers, and once Curry returns, they can definitely go head-to-head with the Clippers. The Warriors have gone a combined 2-5 against those two teams this season.

So in short, they are facing the teams they have struggled against this year, in a do-or-die situation, with the potential to do so on the road. And if they ultimately win those 9/10 games, they will have to win one more game, once again on the road, to book a first-round matchup against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.

Still, it’s much more attractive than the nightmare scenario, which is that they’ll be eliminated from the postseason without a single win to their name. It’s just a sign that the end of an era for the Warriors is truly here, as if it hasn’t already arrived.

BOSTON – When Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown placed the Bill Russell Trophy above his head after being named the 2024 NBA Finals MVP, his place in franchise history was cemented. However, the all-time leading Celtic moved up to 10th on the Green team’s all-time scoring list during Wednesday night’s 120-99 win over the Golden State Warriors.

In the second quarter, Brown sank two free throws to surpass Celtics great and 1973 MVP Dave Cowens on the Giants leaderboard. The five-time All-Star now has 13,202 points in 10 seasons, trailing his fellow Celtics star Jayson Tatum by 705 points. The player right in front of the Celtics’ spectacular tandem is an almost legendary player: 11-time NBA champion Bill Russell.

“I’m very grateful,” Brown said in the locker room after his impressive milestone. “There are a lot of greats on that list that have made huge contributions to the Celtics as well as the game of basketball. So I’m very humbled and very grateful to be in the position I’m in.”

Jaylen Brown on entering the top-10 scoring list for the Celtics:

“I’m very grateful. Many of the legends on that list have made great contributions to the Celtics as well as the game of basketball.” pic.twitter.com/f49h93xmHL

– Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) 19 March 2026

Brown didn’t miss a beat to start the game, hitting back-to-back jumpers against a woefully understaffed Warriors team at TD Garden. Although the Dubs – who were without four-time NBA champion Stephen Curry due to a knee injury – tried to make it a contest, Brown and Tatum always had offensive answers. They scored a combined 56 points in the blowout (game-high 32 points from Brown and 24 points from Tatum), while no Warrior scored more than 14 points.

Tatum said of Brown’s historic run, “It just shows the dedication and commitment he has to his craft and getting better every year.” “I’ve watched him grow and get better every year over the last nine years and become the player he is today. It’s great when you get rewarded for the work you’ve done.”

During Tatum’s 62-game absence this regular season, which was the result of a diligent rehab process from an Achilles rupture, Brown paved the way for the shorthanded C. He averaged career highs practically across the board and has continued to do so since Tatum’s return on March 6.

With both Tatum and Brown starting this season, the Celtics are 5-1 and have won three in a row. And it’s no surprise that the same dynamic duo that led Boston to a championship in 2024 is aiming to do so again in 2026.

Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla said about working with Tatum and Brown, “You’re not only able to coach some of the best players in the game today, but you’re able to coach some of the best players of all time.” “so [there’s] “Just my gratitude for being able to see him.”

To put it in perspective, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will already be the all-time leading scorers for the Magic, Pelicans, Grizzlies, Clippers, Hornets and Nets. https://t.co/FfBXc5rb5l

– Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) 19 March 2026

We need to remember what Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum accomplished

Even though the 46-23 Celtics are generally accustomed to winning, what Tatum and Brown have accomplished together is special. They would be the all-time scoring leaders of six other NBA franchises at this time and have more playoff wins than many teams.

Furthermore, they represent the Celtics well and are dedicated to Boston.

Tatum showed his commitment by attacking his difficult rehabilitation every day off the court this season, ultimately culminating in a victorious return that was well ahead of schedule. Brown, meanwhile, has further demonstrated his dedication on the court recently by having an MVP-caliber campaign when many pundits expected him to flop as part of a flawed roster.

“For Jaylen, I think the responsibility and ownership of being a Celtic and going after greatness is extremely important, it’s something he takes very seriously,” Mazzulla responded when asked about Brown entering the upper echelon of Celtics scorers. “The ability to make and participate in history is the stepping stone to [the franchise] Better than what you found.”

There’s no doubt that Tatum and Brown have changed the Celtics organization for the better, but that doesn’t mean they’re satisfied. They want more, and “more” will come in the form of a second championship ring this June.

“I felt like I could always be one of the top players in the world if given the opportunity, and I think I’ve got to show that this season,” Brown said after Monday night’s 41-point loss to the Phoenix Suns. “The focus now is on getting ready for the playoffs.”

The Golden State Warriors have been without Stephen Curry since the All-Star break as he deals with a knee injury. It seems like Curry may be close to returning to the court as the Warriors try to make a late-season push, as he was seen taking shots in shootaround before the game against the Boston Celtics.

Warriors star Steph Curry gets a shot during a team shootaround in Boston.

(via @kenzofuku) pic.twitter.com/tuJ7X2Ghxg

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 18 March 2026

This is good news for the Warriors, but it also may not mean much. Curry is believed to be reevaluated soon, and there is a possibility he could return sooner rather than later.

Head coach Steve Kerr recently spoke about Curry’s injury, as many have asked why he doesn’t shut down the guard for the remainder of the season if he is injured.

“When people ask me about this year, and I’ve been asked this many times, why don’t you rest Steph all year? OK, he’s healthy, we’re competing, that’s what we do. And we want to give ourselves a chance and that’s the whole point. The beauty is in the pursuit, in the work. And when you fail, it’s hard to recover from that,” Kerr said on the Tom Tolbert Show.

The Warriors are still in the playoff race, and will likely have to make it out of the play-in tournament to earn a win. This is nothing new for them, as last year they found themselves in the same situation, and were able to earn the No. 7 seed. What made it even better was that they defeated the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs.

There’s no doubt that the Warriors are battle-tested, but they need their star player to improve their chances of winning more games during the season.

Washington, DC – Entering Tuesday night’s home date with the Detroit Pistons, the Washington Wizards have the NBA’s second-longest losing streak at 12 games. They also have the second-worst record (16-51), but four-time All-Star Trae Young is showing why next season will be different.

After Monday’s 126-117 loss to the Golden State Warriors, rookie wing Will Riley told ClutchPoints how 27 years old He has transformed the Wizards’ offense since making his debut for the team on March 5.

I asked Will Riley how Trae Young has impacted him as a player and the offense in general:

“Yeah, he’s an amazing player. It’s crazy to see it in person, I used to watch him all the time. Seeing the reads he makes shows how much attention he brings. The attention he brings… pic.twitter.com/43TLFAsX4v

-Joshua Valdez (@joshvaldez100) 17 March 2026

“Yeah, he’s an amazing player. It’s crazy to see it in person, I used to watch him all the time,” said the 20-year-old. “Just seeing the reads he brings shows how much focus he brings. The focus he brings allows him to find us on time and on target, so it opens up a lot of opportunities for everyone. He’s an amazing person and great teammate, too.”

Young is averaging 6.2 assists in just 20.8 minutes for Washington, which equates to one assist every 3.35 minutes. The former All-NBA honoree averaged an assist every 3.1 minutes for the Atlanta Hawks as he led the NBA with 11.6 dimes in 36 minutes in the 2024-25 campaign.

Young’s work so far with the Wizards doesn’t guarantee he’ll lead the league in assists again next year, but it is a preview of things to come. The former Oklahoma Sooner is using his offensive toughness to create open looks for the “Wiz Kids,” which makes their job easier and helps their development.

Will Riley reveals Trae Young opened ‘doors’

Riley also talked about what he has learned from Young so far.

“Reading off ball screens has been a main point of emphasis… making reads, snaking, being aggressive, trying to score first… it’s opened up a lot of new doors for me…” he said.

According to former Hawks G League scout Dylan Murphy, snacking is a pick-and-roll maneuver “in which the ball-handler moves away from his original direction between the screener and the screener’s defender.” Learning that move adds to Riley’s already deep bag of moves, like spins and fadeaways.

An example of how Young “opened new doors” for Riley was executing a hockey assist (pass for assist) on his three-point shot in the second quarter. Young brought the ball up the court before second-year guard Bilal Coulibaly set a screen on the logo and swung to the basket. During the roll, Young threw the ball towards Koulibaly, causing the defense to collapse inside. then the next player passed it A wide-open relay in the corner, who swept all three.

Beautiful sequence right here 🤌 pic.twitter.com/Uc02NxzIlr

– Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) 17 March 2026

Head coach Brian Keefe referenced the game post-game when describing his favorite offensive moments from Young, Koulibaly and Riley, each of whom led the team with 21 points.

“I thought there were some good moments there. We had some good connections where the ball was moving, Trae was getting two, there was a play earlier when he hit Bilal on the short roll and he passed it to Will Riley,” he said. “That’s one of the reasons Trae is here, when he gets two he makes the right play. I thought we played him pretty well… You could see the passing skills of all three of them tonight.”

Young left Monday’s game with a quad contusion and was out on Tuesday, but he at least showed why Washington acquired him in five contests with the team in January. While no one knows how long he’ll last, giving the young core open looks and showing him new tricks provides invaluable experience.

For now, the Wizards are losing as much as possible to maximize their draft lottery odds as they try to get lucky in a class with superstar prospects Darin Peterson, AJ DiBuntsa and Cam Boozer. After hosting Detroit on Tuesday, they will do the same on Thursday before hosting the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday.

The calendar has changed in mid-March. For the basketball world, that means only one thing: the high-octane, heart-stopping drama of the NCAA Tournament. However, for Mike Dunleavy Jr. and the Golden State Warriors front office, the brackets are a scouting map for a franchise at a critical crossroads. As the “Big Three” era enters its final stretch, the Dubs are looking for the next foundational pillar to keep the Chase Center rafters busy with new banners. This year’s tournament field is absolutely loaded with top talent. The Warriors also have the potential to be a mid-lottery selection. As such, the stakes have never been higher. The pressure is on to find a player who can blend high-IQ playmaking with the modern athleticism needed to survive in the increasingly young, fast-paced Western Conference.

patience and uncertainty

It has been a rollercoaster of a 2025-26 campaign for the Warriors. They are currently 32-35 and in ninth place in the Western Conference. Despite having Jimmy Butler alongside Stephen Curry, the team has struggled with consistency and health throughout the winter months. Undoubtedly, Curry remains a force to be reckoned with. He is averaging 27.2 points per game, but the supporting cast has often been up and down.

Certainly, the emergence of Brandin Podziemski as a reliable starter and the veteran leadership of Draymond Green have kept the Dubs in the play-in hunt. However, a series of minor losses in early March have highlighted the narrow margin of error on this roster. They are a team that can beat anyone on any night. Still, they often found themselves outmatched by the length and depth of emerging powers of the West such as Oklahoma City and San Antonio.

identification of missing piece

It’s clear that the warriors’ shopping list starts with size, versatility and specific connective tissue. The front office could pursue a veteran-style prospect with immediate impact. Alternatively, they could opt for a raw, high-ceilinged wing that can carry the torch once the current stalwarts hang up their sneakers. The Warriors’ defensive rating has been in the middle of the pack this season. His comebacks have often been his weakness. They need a player who can operate within Steve Kerr’s complex offensive system. They’re looking for someone who can pass, cut and shoot.

That said, the Dubs also desperately need a physical presence who can replace multiple positions and protect the rim. The Class of 2026 offers an attractive mix of “ready-made” college stars and “one-and-done” physical specimens. This makes this March Madness the ultimate proving ground for the Warriors’ next big swing.

Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan

If the Warriors are looking for a prospect that screams “Warriors DNA,” look no further than Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg. The 6’9 forward has been a statistical darling this season. He ranks second in the nation in box plus/minus and has emerged as a Swiss Army knife for the Wolverines. Lendeborg is a high-end processor who facilitates from the high post, crashes the glass with tenacity, and blocks shots at a elite rate.

This March, he will lead a top-seeded Michigan team that relies heavily on his ability to hold down the defense while opening sets on the other end. For a Golden State team that values ​​quick decision-making, Lendeborg fits like a glove. He doesn’t need 20 shots to dominate a game, and his defensive versatility will allow him to fit in perfectly in those small-ball lineups.

Nate Ament, Tennessee

On the other end of the spectrum is Nate Ament. He’s a 6’10 wing from Tennessee who represents the kind of high-upside gamble the Warriors may need to reinvent their future. Ament is the quintessential modern NBA wing. He is long, fluid and capable of scoring from all three levels. Yes, his performance has been up and down during his new campaign. Still, his flashes of talent are undeniable. He has the ability to shoot over defenders and the lateral quickness to be a disruptive force on the perimeter.

During the tournament, all eyes will be on how Ament handles the physical pressure of postseason play. If he can prove that his jumper is consistent and his defensive motor is active, he becomes an attractive option for the Warriors.

Thomas Hoff, Florida

Finally, the Warriors will have to keep a close eye on Florida’s Thomas Hoff as the Gators look to defend their national title. The 6’9-inch Hoff is a tireless competitor who does the dirty work that winning teams require. He is a dynamic finisher at the rim and a disruptive defender who can switch to guards or battle in the trenches with big men. Unlike some of the more heralded prospects, Hog excels in a role that doesn’t require the ball in his hands. This makes him an ideal fit for a Golden State roster that already features high-usage producers like Curry and Butler. His tenacity on the offensive boards and his superior perimeter shooting make him a plug-and-play candidate. Hoff has been good enough to contribute from day one. In a tournament where every possession is a battle, Hough’s ability to impact the game through his effort and intelligence will be a major storyline for NBA scouts.

draft strategy

The 2026 NBA Draft will be a defining moment for Mike Dunleavy Jr. and the Warriors. Whether they choose Lendeborg’s sophisticated, high-IQ game, Ament’s limitless ceiling, or Hoff’s battle-tested patience, they must strike gold. This March Madness is a live audition for the next chapter of Golden State Warriors basketball.

The franchise cannot afford to make safe picks that result in bench warmers. They need a difference-maker who can bridge the gap between their storied past and uncertain future. As the tournament begins, these three prospects will have a chance to prove that they belong in the blue and gold. The Warriors are watching, and so should you.

Trae Young has been a pleasant addition to the Washington Wizards. The former fifth overall pick was traded from the Atlanta Hawks to DC during the trade deadline this season. Unfortunately, Young suffered an injury during the Wizards’ game against the Golden State Warriors. After suffering an injury to his lower body, the point guard has been ruled out of the game due to a quad contusion.

More coming soon.

On Sunday evening, the New York Knicks picked up a narrow home win over the Golden State Warriors at Madison Square Garden. It was the first game at home for the Knicks after a recent long trip to the West Coast, and at one point the team found itself trailing by 21 points against a Warriors team playing without Stephen Curry and several others, before eventually rallying to win.

Still, it wasn’t exactly an encouraging performance for a Knicks team that has been slipping as of late, and recently, ESPN sports media personality and renowned New York fan Stephen A. Smith expressed his concern with the team.

“I’m sick. … I had the New York Knicks to go to the Finals. I sure don’t have that now,” Smith said, according to First Take on X, formerly Twitter.

In fact, many analysts projected the Knicks to be a Finals-level team this season. However, the emergence of the Detroit Pistons, who have swept New York in their contests so far this year, as well as the surprising play of the Boston Celtics, who are second in the East and recently brought Jayson Tatum back from his Achilles injury, have undermined those plans, and now, the Knicks are as low as fourth in the East in terms of chances to make the Finals.

New York struggled during their recent road trip, losing badly to both the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers, and had to struggle mightily to defeat the weak Utah Jazz.

The Knicks will be looking to turn things around in the final month of the regular season to reach the playoffs while playing their best basketball and not the slump they are currently facing.

There have been many stories told about the Cleveland Cavaliers’ unforgettable title run in 2016. But Iman Shumpert’s revelation about Tony Allen’s role in helping them shut down the Golden State Warriors is a new one.

The Warriors were juggernauts that year, winning a record 73 games. They took a 3–1 lead against the Cavaliers in the NBA Finals and appeared poised to capture their second consecutive title. However, Cleveland came back strongly and pulled off a most improbable comeback for the team’s first title.

On “Out in the Mud”, Shumpert admitted that he and JR Smith were having “a nice little battle” with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson defensively in the series. Shumpert said Allen called him to give him some suggestions.

“M********* called me right away. ‘Hey, brother, you got Klay right? Who do you have, Klay or Steph? I know you got one of them.'” Shumpert recalled.

“I said, ‘Don’t help. Wherever you are, I don’t care, going to help, there’s no help,'” said Allen, who was with the Memphis Grizzlies at the time.

When a three-time All-NBA Defensive First Team member tells you how to play defense, you listen. So that’s exactly what Shumpert and Smith did. Ultimately, they survived the Warriors, winning a classic battle in Game 7.

“He (Allen) said, ‘There’s no help, and get used to it, you’re going to have about three rebounds.’ He said, ‘Why?’ Who do you want to get a rebound for? If they get a rebound, where is it going? And what if you’re not there?’ But it seemed to make sense,” Shumpert said.

While Curry and Thompson still got their numbers, Shumpert said he and Smith performed poorly against them even on Allen’s advice. Matthew Dellavedova also played a huge role in protecting the Splash Brothers.

Allen had his fair share of intense feuds with Curry and Thompson, with the Grizzlies and Warriors meeting several times in the regular season. Golden State defeated Memphis 4–2 in the conference semifinals en route to the title in 2015.

The Golden State Warriors are scheduled to face the New York Knicks on Sunday night. However, Saturday’s injury report includes a total of 18 players from both the teams. Several players have already been ruled out, while several others are listed as doubtful.

The obvious names like Jimmy Butler (who is out for the season) and Stephen Curry (who is out for at least several more games) are both out for the Warriors. Golden State has a total of eight players ruled out, including Draymond Green and Kristaps Porzingis, while only Quinton Post is listed as questionable. With this, nine names have been included in the injury report of the Warriors.

Meanwhile, Miles McBride is the only player ruled out of the Knicks’ latest injury report. Eight players have been considered questionable, including Josh Hart and Jeremy Sochan. We probably won’t know exactly who will play for New York until just before Sunday’s game.

Here is the full Warriors injury report.

Jimmy Butler – Out: Right ACL; surgery
Seth Curry – out: left adductor; strain
Stephen Curry – Out: Right patellofemoral; pain syndrome
Draymond Green – Out: Left Low Back; injury management
Al Horford – Out: Right soleus; strain
D’Anthony Melton – Out: left knee; injury management
Moses Moody – Outside: Right wrist; Sprain
Kristaps Porzingis – Out: General; disease management
Quentin Post – Questionable: left ankle; Sprain

Here is Knicks’ full injury report.

Pacom Dadiet – Questionable: G League – On Assignment
Josh Hart – Questionable: left knee; agony
Ariel Hookporti – Questionable: G League – On Assignment
Trey Jameson III – Questionable: G League – Two-Way
Dillon Jones – Questionable: G League – Two-Way
Tyler Kolek – Questionable: G League – On Assignment
Miles McBride – Out: Pelvic; core muscle surgery
Kevin McCullers Jr. – Questionable: G League – Two-Way
Jeremy Sochan – Suspected: Illness; Disease

The Warriors and Knicks are scheduled to tip off at 8 p.m. EST. in New York. Golden State aims to snap a four-game losing streak amid injury problems, while New York hopes to win its third straight.

SAN FRANCISCO – If things couldn’t get any worse for the Golden State Warriors, already a team without stars Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, it did in a 127-117 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night.

Al Horford, Quinton Post and Seth Curry all sat out Golden State’s fourth consecutive loss. And before that, Draymond Green was scratched 20 minutes before the game started. That left the Warriors struggling for healthy bodies as T-Wolves star Anthony Edwards finished with 42 points on 13-22 shooting.

After the game, Dubs coach Steve Kerr acknowledged how depleted and injured the Warriors were at the moment as they fell to 32–34 on the season.

“We’re definitely going through it,” Kerr said. “But you saw how hard the guys played and stuck in it and got the fans into it. And we can’t ask for anything more from our players right now. What they’re giving as far as effort and playing together. But yeah, we lost just as well as any team I can ever remember.”

Beating is an understatement.

With seven players out due to injury, the Warriors were missing more than $160 million in salary. That’s about 70% of their $233,853,209 payroll. And to add literal insult to injury, this latest skid has allowed the Los Angeles Clippers to overtake them for the eighth seed, leaving them just a half-game ahead of the Portland Trail Blazers in 10th.

status of wounded warriors

However, it remains to be seen whether these latest injuries will persist.

Kerr had no update after the game on Green, Post or Curry. As far as Horford is concerned, Kerr had few details regarding the veteran big man’s situation. While the team announced during the game that Horford was out due to right calf soreness, Kerr described Horford’s injury as a “strain” after the game.

“With a calf strain, I don’t know how long Al will be out,” Kerr said. “But I hope that with the calf, we won’t have to move him back too quickly.”

With Horford potentially out for a while, Kerr hopes to turn to Kristaps Porzingis for starts in the meantime. Porzingis, who has battled injuries this season and throughout his career, has had some encouraging games after missing six consecutive games due to illness. Porzingis finished with 20 points in 19 minutes of action, the most points he has scored in his four games for the Warriors.

“Feeling fine,” Porzingis said after the game. “Step by step, just trying to get back into really good shape. Still got a way to go, but happy with the progress so far.”

Captured the fort for the Golden State

In the meantime, the onus will be on Porzingis and the rest of the healthy Warriors to deal with this latest storm of injuries.

But with injuries also come opportunities. Brandin Podziemski, who has excelled in basketball since Curry’s passing, understands that common NBA adage.

“I look at it as a blessing in disguise,” Podziemski said optimistically after collecting 25 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.

“Just because it’s an opportunity and you’re able to build confidence when you’re out there, especially when there’s no expectations, and people are probably expecting us to lose. So it’s a blessing to me that when other guys come back, that confidence you build, you can be ready to show when you come back as well.”

There is an obvious concern that due to not having enough healthy bodies, the remaining players may get tired from the extra workload. But Kerr isn’t too worried about that potential issue. He pointed to the medical staff’s diligence in monitoring that potential problem and the youth of the remaining players.

Despite this, Kerr is keeping an optimistic outlook, presenting this latest round of injuries as something he has to get past.

“I feel like there are really brighter days ahead,” Kerr said. “So you just have to go through a tough situation.”

Anthony Edwards stole the net with a stellar performance in the Minnesota Timberwolves’ 127-117 win over the Golden State Warriors on Friday night.

Edwards is playing the sixth season of his NBA career with the Timberwolves. He has exceeded expectations as the first overall pick in the 2020 draft, shining as one of the best young stars the league has to offer.

Edwards continues to improve in Year 6 as he has kept the Timberwolves in a strong playoff race. In Minnesota’s game against Golden State, he dominated the entire 37 minutes of action.

Edwards produced a stellar stat line of 42 points, eight rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block. He made 13 of 22 shots from the field, including 4 of 9 from beyond the arc and 10 of 12 from the free-throw line.

Anthony Edwards puts on a show to lead Timberwolves to victory 🔥

🐜42 points
🐜8 rebounds
🐜5 Help

🐜13-in-22 FG
🐜4-in-9 3pt
🐜10 out of 12 feet pic.twitter.com/385xsI6GOd

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 14 March 2026

Anthony Edwards, how the Timberwolves played against the Warriors

Anthony Edwards was too much for the Warriors to handle, leading the Timberwolves to a solid win on the road. Golden State was competitive despite missing Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, but Minnesota beat them with a remarkably efficient offense.

Seven players, including Edwards, scored in double figures for Minnesota in the win. Rudy Gobert came in with a strong performance of 18 points, nine rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. He shot 5 of 5 overall and 8 of 10 from the charity stripe. Jaden McDaniels was next with 15 points, Naz Reed and Ayo Dosunmu each scored 12 points, Bones Hyland had 11 points, while Julius Randle provided 10 points and four rebounds.

Minnesota improved to a 41–26 record on the season and finished sixth in the Western Conference standings. They are above the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Clippers while trailing the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers.

The Timberwolves will remain on the road awaiting their next matchup. They will take on the Oklahoma City Thunder as tip-off takes place on March 15 at 1 pm ET.

The Minnesota Timberwolves (40-26) have dropped to sixth place in the Western Conference after losing three consecutive games by at least 14 points. When Anthony Edwards and Ayo Dosunmu landed on the injury report before Friday night’s game against the Golden State Warriors (32-33), some fans believed West Coast’s problems could continue. Luckily, both players will be in action inside Chase Center, according to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel.

Edwards is dealing with right knee soreness, but will move on. Dosunmu missed Wednesday’s 153-128 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers with a thumb sprain, so it’s encouraging to know he’ll be on the floor for this contest. While it remains to be seen how effective these guards will be, this update is important.

The Wolves should theoretically do well against the shorthanded Warriors, but fans aren’t taking any capable opponent lightly just yet. Minnesota is just one game away from the NBA Play-In Tournament, with the Phoenix Suns applying the pressure from the No. 7 seed. Although Chris Finch’s group has overcome challenging situations before, no one wants to play an extra game in this tough conference.

Conserving energy may be necessary in potential postseason meetings with the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs or Denver Nuggets. Therefore, it is important for the Timberwolves to take care of business in the final 16 games of the regular season. They can’t accomplish that task unless their franchise keystone is healthy.

Anthony Edwards is scoring a career-high 29.4 points per contest while shooting 49.2 percent from the field and 40.2 percent from behind the 3-point line. He’s getting better year after year and climbing the ladder of NBA superstars. When a two-time All-NBA Second-Team selection is on the final stretch, Minnesota can compete with anyone. Edwards is “the guy” on this team, but Ayo Dosunmu is valuable in his own right.

Acquired in a trade with the Chicago Bulls, the 2021 second-round draft pick is able to ease the No. 5 offensive burden somewhat. He attacks the rim and plays with ferocity, making him a perfect fit for this Timberwolves team.

Edwards and Dosunmu will do their best to overcome any discomfort they are feeling in this matchup with the Warriors. Tip-off is scheduled for 10 pm ET.

The Chicago Bulls visit the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night. Josh Giddy and Matas Buzzelis are listed as probable. Both have recently sprained their right ankle. On Tuesday, Bouzelis and Giddy played key roles in the Bulls’ 130–124 OT win over the Golden State Warriors. Bouzelis finished with a career-high 41 points. Meanwhile, Giddy moved into 20th place on the all-time list with a triple-double of 21 points, 17 assists and 13 rebounds. Here’s everything we know about Josh Giddy and Matas Buzelis’ injuries and their game status against the Lakers.

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Injury status of Josh Giddy and Matas Buzelis vs. Lakers

Given that Josh Giddy and Matas Buzelis are listed as probable on the injury report, the assumption is that they will both be out against the Lakers. Giddy has been a fixture on the injury report, particularly during the second half of the season.

From late December to late January, Giddy missed 11 games due to a hamstring injury. On January 22, Giddy made his return against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He scored 21 points off the bench and the Bulls won 120–115.

So far, Giddy has averaged 17.7 points, 8.7 assists and 8.4 rebounds over the course of 43 games. Meanwhile, Bouzelis has missed only one game this season due to injury. He was absent from the Bulls’ game against the Phoenix Suns on March 5.

Overall, Bouzelis averaged 15.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per game in 62 games.

The Bulls are 27-38 and have lost 7 of their last 10 games.

So when the question comes up about whether Josh Giddy and Matas Buzelis are playing tonight against the Lakers, the answer is probably yes.

oxen injury report

Matus Buzzellis (right ankle sprain) – probable

Josh Giddy (right ankle sprain) – probable

Jalen Smith (left calf strain) – probable

Jaden Ivey (left patellofemoral pain syndrome)-out

Effernie Simmons (left ulnar styloid; fracture) – Outside

Isaac Okoro (right patellofemoral pain syndrome) – doubtful

Patrick Williams (sprained left ankle) – questionable

Guershon Yabusele (left foot, soreness) – doubtful

Lakers injury report

LeBron James (right hip injury, left foot arthritis) – questionable

Maxi Kleber (lumbar strain) – doubtful

Jackson Hayes (back pain) – probable

Marcus Smart (right hip injury) – questionable.

Tuesday night was a career-high scoring night. Of course, Bam Adebayo’s 83 points lead to the win. But for the Chicago Bulls, they got the best from Matas Buzelis against the Golden State Warriors.

Overall, Bouzelis finished the game with a career-high 41 points as the Bulls defeated the Warriors 130–124 in overtime.

Afterwards, according to Casey Johnson of Chicago Sports Network, Bouzelis talked about his approach to the game.

“Just trying to be aggressive every day, every game,” he said.

“Just trying to be aggressive every day, every game.”

with Matas Buzzelis @KCJHope He dropped a career-high 41 points in the win over Golden State pic.twitter.com/A3N1JMrlq4

– Bulls on CHSN (@CHSN_Bulls) 11 March 2026

With 2:32 left in overtime, Bouzelis hit a key 3-pointer to put the Bulls in good position to win. Additionally, Bouzelis finished the game 16 of 28 from the field, 5 of 15 at the 3-point line, 4 of 5 at the foul line and six rebounds.

Meanwhile, Tre Jones came up with 22 points and five assists. Additionally, Josh Giddy finished with another triple-double with 21 points, 17 assists and 13 rebounds.

Additionally, three Bulls recorded double-doubles.

Leonard Miller had 17 points and 11 rebounds. Jalen Smith finished with 12 points as well as 12 rebounds. Nick Richards had 10 points and 10 rebounds.

With the win, the Bulls are now 27-38. On Thursday, they will travel to Los Angeles to complete their five-game road trip. First the match against the Lakers and then the match against the Clippers on Saturday.

On Monday, the Bulls return home to take on the Memphis Grizzlies.

Bouzelis was listed as probable on the NBA injury report due to a recent right ankle sprain.

Overall, Bouzelis played in 64 games and averaged 15.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.

The Utah Jazz and the Golden State Warriors are set to face off on Monday night. Kristaps Porzingis returned from illness on Saturday against the Golden State Warriors, a contest in which OKC emerged victorious with a 104–97 victory. Is Porzingis playing tonight vs Jazz?

The Warriors are proceeding with caution when it comes to the Porzingis situation. He has appeared in only two games with Golden State since being acquired in a trade from the Atlanta Hawks earlier this season.

Everything we know about Porzingis’ injury status for tonight’s game.

Kristaps Porzingis’ injury status vs. Jazz

According to the NBA injury report, Porzingis has been ruled out of Monday night’s game. Monday’s game represents the first game of a back-to-back. Porzingis is expected to be available on Tuesday night against the Chicago Bulls.

Golden State’s primary hope is to have Porzingis available for the postseason. The Warriors’ playoff outlook is uncertain at this time, as they currently hold a play-in spot. Regardless of where they finish in the standings, the team will proceed with caution when it comes to Porzingis’ situation.

As far as the question of whether Kristaps Porzingis is playing tonight, the answer is no.

warriors injury report

The Warriors have seven players listed on the injury report.

• Seth Curry (left sciatic nerve irritation): probable
• Will Richard (sprained right ankle): doubtful
• Kristaps Porzingis (general illness management): out
• Jimmy Butler III (right ACL surgery): out
• Stephen Curry (right patellofemoral pain syndrome): out
• Al Horford (left toe injury management): out
• Moses Moody (right wrist sprain): Out

jazz injury report

The Jazz have five players listed on the injury report.

• Jaren Jackson Jr. (recovering from left knee injury): Out
• Walker Kessler (recovering from left shoulder injury): out
• Lauri Markkanen (right hip injury): out
• Jusuf Nurkic (recovering from nose injury): Out
• Vince Williams Jr. (left knee injury management): Out

It hasn’t been the cleanest season for Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green.

The decline has begun for the 36 year old future Hall of Famer as the Warriors have seen seasons up and down from .500, with injuries to Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler derailing their championship aspirations.

You can see it in his diminished impact on offense – the Warriors are 5.7 points worse per 100 possessions when Green is on the floor, which is their worst offensive point differential since his rookie season. You can see it in his defensive slips. While the Warriors still allow fewer points when Green is on the floor, 1.2 fewer points per 100 possessions, it is the second most he has allowed when he is on the floor in his career.

The player who made his money by being an on/off, plus/minus, advanced statistics god hasn’t been the same this season. He looks very dangerous this season. The Warriors know it, Steve Kerr knows it and Green knows it to some extent. Green witnessed his basketball mortality during the last trade deadline, during the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes, which ultimately never materialized.

And the challenge this season has been how to navigate a former DPOY and all-time great in the final stages of his career.

Kerr has tried to play Green at the four next to stretch centers Al Horford, Quinton Post and now Kristaps Porzingis so he doesn’t get burned physically at the five. He’s done the opposite and gone back to his old style, rocking him at the fifth spot in small ball with a group of shooters.

But of all the solutions the Warriors have tried recently, the one that has reinvigorated them has come down to the defensive end – taking on the primary task of guarding opposing stars on the perimeter.

protecting the best of the best

Over the past three games, the Warriors have changed their defensive philosophy in how they use Green defensively. Instead of using him on the backend of the defense, where he can quarterback the defense, they have committed him to guarding the opposing team’s star perimeter player.

That means guarding Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, perhaps the strangest arsenal of offensive talent you can give a guard. But the results came positive. The Warriors, along with Curry and a handful of players, fought valiantly in all three games. And Green looked as lively and energetic as he has all season.

“I think our coaching staff realizes that I have a lot of energy when I’m given this type of workload,” Green said. “It’s amazing to have those responsibilities at this point in my career. And it energizes me a lot because, number one, my team needs me… And yet—I’m a very egotistical person. I can’t just go out there and kill.”

The color green shines brightest when the best players step onto the court. The same passion we are seeing now is what we saw in the Victor Wembanyama matchup earlier this season.

“I think it excites him when we give him this job, ‘You guard the best player,'” Kerr said. “He loves it. He’s up for the challenge. He’s still one of the great defensive players in the game. The last few games, between Shai and Kevin and Kawhi, he’s guarded three of the toughest guys on the planet. And done a phenomenal job.”

And that passion has extended to crime. Eight assists in Rockets’ win, four 3-pointers in narrow loss to OKC. Nothing outstanding, but a far cry from the liability it sometimes looked like at that level.

How Draymond Green on the perimeter transforms the Warriors’ defense

Those stars are still in their bag, that’s how it works in the NBA. But this strategy shocked the Clippers, Rockets and Thunder on offense while keeping the Dubs’ defensive shield intact. By pressing the head of the serpent of these crimes, the warriors avoid excessive helping and selling in order to stop them. Why waste two players and compromise on help when you can use green to do the same and avoid a 4-0n-3 loss on the backend?

“Part of the reason we go [me on the top opposing scorer] Green explained, “So we don’t have to help so much. And I have to take that responsibility and make sure we don’t have to help.”

But the other carryover effect of such a strategy is the possibility of larger lineups. Kerr closed the OKC game with a Giant Green, Horford, Porzingis, Gui Santos and Brandin Podziemski lineup. A lineup in which Green was essentially playing small forward, something he has not done since the Mark Jackson days.

This isn’t a lineup Kerr hopes to use often, but the process behind that lineup may see more use. With their size in Horford and Porzingis, the Warriors can afford to put Green in star perimeter matchups. This way, they can maintain their goal of not helping excessively frequently.

“I love it,” Green said about potentially coming in with a bigger lineup. “I think when you have more size, you’re able to cover more. You’re able to cover mistakes. And then when you have more length you’re able to close the gaps as well. So I like that.”

But the question will be whether Green and the Dubs can maintain the juice they have found in him. Will there be enough motivation when it’s a game against the star-less Utah Jazz or Sacramento Kings? Consistency has been a struggle for Green this season. They know they can call it quits when the lights are brightest, this three-game stretch has proven that. But can he find the motivation to do so when they are not so bright?

Regardless, the Draymond Green they’re gunning for right now is exactly what the Warriors need. Kerr and Green have found the right buttons to push. And the other thing this three-game stretch proved is that Green still has a lot to offer the Warriors in the final stretch.

“Give Draymond the toughest job and put a big man behind him,” Kerr said. “It’s a good formula.”

Steve Kerr and the Golden State Warriors did not lead once in a 104–97 loss against All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder, after erasing a 14-point deficit. The Thunder regained the lead before putting the Warriors away in the fourth quarter. Kristaps Porzingis played only his second game since his trade from the Atlanta Hawks, but it was Gilgeous-Alexander who drained a dagger-3 down the stretch.

Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 27 points on 6-for-15 from the floor and 14-of-15 from the free-throw line, which came during Kerr’s postgame media availability. Kerr criticized Gilgeous-Alexander’s approach, which was a subject of debate among many NBA circles; However, warriors are prominent Coach gives credit to reigning MVP.

“Well, he’s incredibly smart, and he knows how to make contact, and it’s all within the rules,” Kerr said. “I don’t have a problem with Shai; I have a problem with the rules. As a league, too much off-arm – we hardly allow defenses to protect the ball.

So, if you allow the offensive player to push off-arm to create space, it becomes really difficult defensively because you can’t get your arm inside. If you put your hand in, everyone in the league will do what Shai does, what James Harden does. They’ll put a hook on your arm and it’s all part of the rules.”

For Warriors’ Steve Kerr, the rule change is important, rather than blaming Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the foul.

“More power to all the individual players, but as a league, we need to adapt and adjust,” Kerr said. “Players, year after year, take advantage of the rules, and they’re smart; they know what they’re doing.”

“My wife has one of those.”

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wasn’t a fan of Jalen Williams’ outfit 🙂

(via @sports center)
pic.twitter.com/vvUAweL5x0

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 8 March 2026

Gui Santos’ double-double (22 points, 11 rebounds) led the Warriors. Brandin Podziemski finished with 17 points, six assists and six rebounds, and Draymond Green added 16 points, five assists and two steals.

Mike Dunleavy on Warriors Kristaps Porzingis

Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy does not consider Kristaps Porzingis a rental, citing the 7-foot center as an important part of his team’s future. According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater and Ramona Shelburne, despite Porzingis’ health setbacks over the past two seasons, Dunleavy addressed the veteran center’s future with the team.

“We see him as more than a rental,” Dunleavy said. “We think he can help our team this year, improve our playoff position, and then moving forward that’s what we’re looking for.”

The Warriors conclude their three-game road trip on Monday against the Jazz.

The Golden State Warriors face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night and Kristaps Porzingis is once again at the center of the injury report. The Warriors have listed Porzingis as questionable due to illness, putting the focus on the veteran big man as Golden State looks to win back-to-back games.

The Warriors entered the matchup at 32–30, No. 8 in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Thunder are the top seed in the West at 49-15 and are aiming to extend their four-game winning streak. With Oklahoma City playing dominant basketball and the Warriors trying to solidify their position in the playoff race, the importance of Porzingis’ availability has increased. If he plays, it will be just the second game of his Warriors tenure.

Through 18 games this season, he is averaging 16.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists while shooting 46.1 percent from the field. The 7-foot-2 center contributes 1.3 blocks per game, providing valuable rim protection and floor spacing.

When Porzingis is available, the Warriors gain a unique frontcourt dimension. His size and perimeter shooting opened up the floor offensively while giving Golden State another defensive presence around the rim.

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Kristaps Porzingis’ injury status vs. Thunder

Several additional names are included on the Warriors’ injury report. Stephen Curry is out with right patellofemoral pain syndrome, while Jimmy Butler III is out after right ACL surgery. Seth Curry is listed as questionable with left sciatic nerve irritation. Moses Moody is out with a sprained right wrist, while Gary Payton II is expected with a left ankle injury. De’Anthony Melton and Will Richard are both questionable with knee and ankle injuries, respectively.

For Oklahoma City, the Thunder injury report lists several players out, including Brandon Carlson (lower back strain), Alex Caruso (left hip strain), Isaiah Hartenstein (left calf strain), Ajay Mitchell (abdominal strain and left ankle sprain), Thomas Sorber (right ACL recovery), and Jalen Williams (right hamstring strain). Are.

Still, Porzingis’ status remains one of the most important questions ahead of the matchup. The Warriors hope to build momentum in the Western Conference standings, while the Thunder aim to continue their run at the top of the conference.

So when it comes to the question of whether Kristaps Porzingis is playing tonight against the Thunder, the answer is uncertain. His final status will depend on pre-game evaluation as Golden State prepares for a big test against the top team in the West.

After winning their last game against the Houston Rockets, the Golden State Warriors traveled to Oklahoma City to face the defending champions. However, they have several major injury concerns and face a Thunder team that has won each of its last four games.

Oklahoma City entered Saturday night with a 49-15 record, already knocking on the door of its 50th win of the season, while Golden State is 32-30 and in eighth place in the West.
Mark Daigneault’s side have also won eight of their last 10 games, and have held opponents to 106.5 points per game during that span. Golden State, meanwhile, has struggled for consistency, going 4-6 in its last 10 contests while allowing 116.3 points per game.

These teams have met three times already this season, and the last meeting was a lopsided 131-94 win for the Thunder, fueled by a 30-point performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The following prospects are based on DraftKings’ coverage.

Warriors vs Thunder Odds

Warriors: +9.5

Thunder: -9.5

Overs: 228.5

Under: 228.5

Warriors vs Thunder Major Injuries

Golden State is entering this matchup heavily shorthanded. Stephen Curry is out with a knee injury. Jimmy Butler (ACL) is out for the season while Moses Moody (wrist) and Seth Curry (back) are also sidelined.

Gary Payton II is questionable with an ankle problem. However, the potential return of Kristaps Porzingis gives them some reason for optimism.

The Thunder are relatively healthy. Jalen Williams is out with a hamstring injury, while Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) and Alex Caruso (hip) are both listed as day-to-day. Thomas Sorber is out for the season with a knee injury.

Warriors vs Thunder Betting Trends

Oklahoma City has a 34–9 record against Western Conference opponents. Recent head-to-head results also favor Oklahoma City. The Thunder have taken Golden State to task already this season, including a blowout 37-point victory in January.

With Shai-Gilgeous Alexander fit and effective, this seems pretty straightforward on paper. However, with the stellar Draymond Green leading the way and Porzingis expected to play, the Warriors can always surprise.

Keys to Warriors vs. Thunder matchup

The biggest challenge for Golden State will be finding enough offensive firepower without Stephen Curry. The Warriors have relied heavily on Brandin Podziemski, who is averaging 16.7 points over the last 10 games.

The Thunder averaged 118.9 points per game, while also limiting opponents to 43.6% shooting from the field.
Warriors vs Thunder Predictions and Selections

Golden State’s system still produces efficient offense through ball movement and spacing, but without Curry, the Warriors lack the consistent scoring punch needed to keep up with Oklahoma City’s attack. Given the Warriors’ injuries and this huge blow to the reigning NBA champions, we expect a low-scoring game.

spread pick:Thunder -9.5

Total Selection: under 228.5

The Houston Rockets lost a crucial home game against the shorthanded Golden State Warriors. According to multiple posts by Red Nation and Roush on

The Rockets lost 115–113 despite being favored by 9.5 points. The loss dropped them to 38–23. Although they still finished fourth in the Western Conference, the loss was another game they let slip, a pattern Rockets fans have recognized from the beginning. Other Rockets influencers and fans felt the same way, especially when discussing some of the scenarios the team has faced.

I honestly don’t think the rest of the Ime Udoka era (no matter how long we have to endure this nightmare) will ever top Jabari Smith Jr. in dispatches. Out for a jump ball. Literally the lowest percentage in athleticism league.

– RedNinetyFour (@RedNinetyFour) 6 March 2026

The general consensus on this defeat is that Udoka made some decisions that could have changed the outcome. Namely, Rush, another Poe[उलररॉकेट्स’केप्रभावशालीव्यक्तिनेतीनचीजेंसूचीबद्धकींजोजीतकोपुख्ताकरसकतीथीं।रीडशेपर्डउनकेप्रतिस्पर्धियोंमेंसेएकथेक्योंकिउन्होंनेइससीज़नमेंरॉकेट्सकेलिएअच्छाखेलाहैलेकिनबेंचपरबनेहुएहैं।लेकिनइसखेलनेउनकेकुछअन्यप्रतिवादोंकोभीचित्रितकियाविशेषरूपसेअल्पेरेनसेनगुनऔरजबरीस्मिथजूनियरकेसंघर्षदोनोंशुरुआतीखिलाड़ीजिन्होंनेवॉरियर्सकीहारमेंबहुतकमयोगदानदिया।[ularRockets’influencerlistedthreethingsthatcouldhavecementedavictoryReedShepperdwasamonghiscounterpointsashehasplayedwellfortheRocketsthisseasonbutremainsonthebenchButthisgamealsoillustratedsomeofhisothercounterpointsnotablythestrugglesofAlperenSengunandJabariSmithJrbothstarterswhodidlittleinthelosstotheWarriors

एक और शर्मनाक हार:

1. यदि इमे उडोका रीड शेपर्ड शुरू करता है तो रॉकेट्स यह गेम जीत जाते हैं

2. जबरी स्मिथ 42 मिनट में 5 टर्नओवर के साथ 0-8 पर था। अकथनीय रूप से भयानक प्रदर्शन

3. सेनगुन को खेल बंद करने के लिए वापस नहीं आना चाहिए था। भयानक रक्षा, अकुशल, 5 टर्नओवर

– रूश (@RoshWilliams) 6 मार्च 2026

उडोका 25 अप्रैल, 2023 से टीम के मुख्य कोच हैं। जहां टीम में सुधार हुआ है, वहीं प्रशंसकों का धैर्य खोने लगा है। पिछले सीज़न में रॉकेट्स दूसरी वरीयता प्राप्त होने के बाद, अनुभवी वॉरियर्स से हारकर प्लेऑफ़ में लड़खड़ा गए। यदि वे प्लेऑफ़ में प्रदर्शन नहीं कर पाते हैं तो चौथी वरीयता प्राप्त उनकी वर्तमान स्थिति प्रशंसकों की चिंताओं को कम करने में कुछ नहीं करेगी।

फिलहाल, उडोका मुख्य कोच बने रहेंगे और रॉकेट्स का नेतृत्व करना जारी रखेंगे। रॉकेट्स ने व्यापार की समय सीमा पर कोई कदम नहीं उठाया, इसलिए उडोका को उनसे अधिकतम लाभ उठाने के लिए इस समूह के साथ काम करना होगा, अन्यथा उनकी नौकरी के लिए कॉल तेज़ हो सकती हैं।

There are not many certain things in life. As the old saying goes, the only inevitables during one’s existence are death and taxes. But someone may have to add the Golden State Warriors, owner of the Houston Rockets, to the list of certainties in this lifetime.

Even with the Warriors battling injuries, Stephen Curry dealing with knee issues, Kristaps Porzingis battling his never-ending battle with illness, and Jimmy Butler being out for the season, they are still finding ways to overcome the Rockets.

On Thursday night, the Warriors assembled a ragtag crew and pulled out an impressive 115-113 victory in overtime, thanks in large part to Kevin Durant’s shortcomings at the free-throw line.

Durant made 33 consecutive free throws on the night. And as bad luck would have it As is the case for the Rockets every time they face the Warriors, they missed twice in a row at the most inopportune time.

With the Rockets trailing by three, 113–110, D’Anthony Melton inexplicably fouled Durant on a three-point attempt. Melton would then thank his lucky stars that Durant missed his third free throw, putting the Warriors ahead by one, 113–112.

And then on the ensuing possession, with Houston trailing by three due to Melton’s putback layup, Durant, who was supposed to make the first free throw and miss the second to give Houston a chance to tie the game, proceeded to do the exact opposite.

What KD did in times of crisis is a bit suspicious

Thanks for the missed free throws and dub though 😭pic.twitter.com/UA8Es98DMh

– WarriorsCulture (@GSWCulture) 6 March 2026

The Rockets lost 115-113, another disappointing effort against a team that looks weak on paper in comparison.

Fans criticize ‘choker’ Kevin Durant for missed FT in Rockets loss

Durant was always going to try his best against his former team the Warriors and former rival Draymond Green. These late free-throw mistakes hurt even more, especially when fans called him “choker” on social media.

X user @JohanMM_ wrote, “Kevin Durant is the greatest choker alive. He missed two free throws in the clutch during overtime.”

@BronsClone said, “Durant was such a choker-worthy snake.”

@WillWentGlobal added, “F**k the Rockets… F**k Kevin Durant. Professional choke artist.”

The Charlotte Hornets are winners of six straight games after recently defeating the Boston Celtics 118-89. According to the NBA on ESPN, this was another big win for the Hornets, and they made history with this win and put themselves in the same conversation as the 2017 Golden State Warriors.

“Charlotte Hornets are on a roll: six straight wins by 15+ points. “Tied for the second-longest streak in NBA history, longest since the 2017-18 Golden State Warriors,” the NBA wrote on Twitter.

Everyone knows what a special Warriors team they were and Kevin Durant changed everything for them. The Hornets haven’t added a player like Durant, but it seems like they’ve figured something out over the past few months and are finally reaping the benefits.

The Hornets are now over .500, and have a chance to keep climbing the Eastern Conference standings. At this point, they will be in the play-ins, but if some of the teams above them start to falter, they could finish in the top six.

Not only are the starting five playing well, but the bench comes in and keeps the team afloat. Coby White has been a huge contributor for the Hornets since he started playing, and he was a great addition at the trade deadline to give them someone who can come in and score at will.

“Just a dynamic veteran guard off the bench. He’s doing a great job. He can score 20-30. [points] Every night if he wanted to, but just having him as the sixth man, it’s great for us,” Miles Bridges said. “He’s playing in his hometown. Therefore, it should feel extra good for him and be comfortable. We’re trying to make him comfortable with our team and we’re happy to have him.”

It’s been a great time for the Hornets to play like this, and they’ll look to continue that.

The Houston Rockets host the Golden State Warriors, who have lost their last three games, at Toyota Center on Thursday night. Still, Houston heads into the game at 38-22 and in third place in the West, while Golden State is 31-30 and in eighth place.

The Warriors need to recover from their losses in the last two they have faced. The injury report lists the hosts as three key contributors in Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr.

All of them are listed as doubtful on the official injury list. Sengun is battling an illness, while Thompson and Smith are both dealing with ankle injuries.

The Rockets are already dealing with some major injuries. Fred VanVleet is out for the season after an ACL repair, Steven Adams is out after left ankle surgery, and Ja’Sean Tate is out with a right knee sprain. Tristan Newton is unavailable during a G League two-way assignment.

The warriors are also in a similar boat. Jimmy Butler III is out after right ACL surgery, while Stephen Curry is out with right patellofemoral pain syndrome. Seth Curry (left sciatic nerve irritation), Moses Moody (right wrist sprain), Kristaps Porzingis (illness) and Will Richard (right ankle sprain) have also been ruled out. Gary Payton II is questionable with a left ankle injury.

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Injury status of Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr. vs. Warriors

With all three players listed as questionable, their availability will be a decision on game day. Thompson and Sengun both started in the last game, both achieved double-doubles
Sengun had 32 points and eight rebounds while Thompson returned with 22 points and 12 rebounds.

However, Smith Jr. sat out the Rockets’ last game and last played in a win over the Orlando Magic. Regardless, despite the injury concerns, the Rockets (38-22) remain formidable, especially at home where they have a 20-7 record. They currently sit comfortably in third place in the Western Conference.

Houston has already proven they can handle Golden State this season by earning a 104-100 win in November. With the Warriors having lost three of their last four games and a weak road record of 12-17, the Rockets will be the favorites as hosts this time.

rocket injury report

Alperen Sengun: Doubtful (disease)

Amen Thompson: Questionable (sprained right ankle)

Jabari Smith Jr.: Questionable (sprained right ankle)

Ja’Sean Tate: Out (right knee sprain)

Steven Adams: Out (left ankle surgery)

Fred VanVleet: Out (right knee ACL repair)

Tristan Newton: Out (G League Two-Way)

warriors injury report

Stephen Curry: Out (right patellofemoral pain syndrome)

Seth Curry: Out (left sciatic nerve irritation)

Jimmy Butler III: Out (right ACL surgery)

Moses Moody: Out (right wrist sprain)

Kristaps Porzingis: out (illness)

Will Richard: Out (sprained right ankle)

Gary Payton II: Questionable (left ankle injury)

LOS ANGELES – During one of Marcus Smart’s first media sessions as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers at the beginning of the season, he revealed a saying he has for every game. That is, ‘the toughest team sets the rules.’ This essentially means that the more physical team dictates which way the game will go. The Lakers haven’t always done a good job of following that quote, but Rui Hachimura believes they have gotten better in recent games.

The Lakers dominated from start to finish in consecutive wins against the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings, respectively. A big part of those wins depended on the Lakers coming out on top early and asserting their will in terms of physicality. This includes playing tough defense, diving after loose balls, hitting hard on the glass and other little things that don’t always show up with statistics.

“I think when we did that in the game today [against the Kings]game [against the Warriors]I think we have created the atmosphere. That’s why we were able to control the whole game,” Hachimura said after the win against the Kings. “So I think things like that, we have to keep doing it. I think sometimes we do it and then we stop doing it. So we just have to keep doing it. We’ve got to make those plays and those little things. We have to keep building.”

Hachimura returned to the Lakers’ lineup against the Kings after a brief two-game absence due to illness. His game was somewhat solid, finishing with eight points while shooting 2-4 from the 3-point line in a little over 22 minutes.

He has been coming off the bench since returning from a calf injury in mid-January. Hachimura has appeared in 48 games, including 31 starts, averaging a little over 29 minutes per game. He averaged 11.7 points and 3.4 rebounds with splits of 50.1 percent shooting from the field, 44.1 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 74.5 percent shooting from the free-throw line.

But the Lakers’ overall toughness and physicality starts with smarts. He often sets the tone on the defensive end of the court, and is a big reason why head coach JJ Redick has opted to stick with Smart in the starting lineup following Hachimura’s return.

After the win against the Kings, Redick made sure to single out Smart for his impact on the game.

“I told the team afterward, I thought Smart’s defense … completely blew us away at different points in the game,” Redick said. “He finished with five steals, but he’s diving down the floor for loose balls. He’s starting the transition game for us. He switches to the five, sets him up perfectly. … He was another igniter for us.”

The LA Clippers entered Monday night’s game against the Golden State Warriors hoping to win their second consecutive game. However, more importantly, the Clippers were preparing for the debut of new guard Darius Garland.

Acquired from the Cleveland Cavaliers at the NBA trade deadline in a blockbuster trade that sent James Harden to the Cavs, Garland has been out since January 16 with a sprained right toe. After undergoing evaluation with his new team, the Clippers decided to hold Darius Garland out during the 2025 offseason due to some residual pain in his surgically repaired left foot.

The Clippers only had two games in the last week of February, giving them three practice days. Those days were used to scrimmage and push forward Darius Garland into five-on-five action with his new teammates.

With 3:20 remaining in the first half of his first game with the Clippers, Darius Garland came off the bench and scored his first bucket. Pull-up three-pointer Going left.

Darius Garland’s first basket as a member of the LA Clippers. pic.twitter.com/sMRLqhLBKg

– Justin Russo (@FlyByKnite) 3 March 2026

Garland finished the first half with five points, one assist and three turnovers, while shooting 1-of-3 from the field, all three-pointers and 2-of-2 from the free throw line.

The Warriors led 56-42 at halftime. Brandin Podziemski led the way for the Warriors with 20 points, four rebounds and one assist on 8 of 12 shooting from the field. Moses Moody was the only other player in the game in double-figure scoring with 10 points.

Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with eight points, five rebounds and two assists, while Kris Dunn added seven points and three rebounds.

The LA Clippers are set to take on the Golden State Warriors on Monday night for the second night of back-to-back sets. It will also mark the Clippers debut of guard Darius Garland.

Garland was acquired from the Cleveland Cavaliers during NBA trade deadline week, bringing him to Los Angeles and sending James Harden to the Cavs. But Garland missed last month’s trade as he worked to recover from toe problems in both feet.

After weeks of running and rehab, Darius Garland will make his Clippers debut against Draymond Green and the Golden State Warriors. But what’s a bit surprising is that Garland won’t start in his first game.

“The thought of bringing him off the bench so he doesn’t have to play with Kawhi [Leonard] “So he can find his own rhythm, his own timing and just try to run everything through him,” head coach Tyronn Lue said in his pregame media availability on Monday. “Just being aggressive, getting our tempo up, so that’s kind of the thought process behind bringing him in off the bench. It’s to try to get him going at a faster pace than he’s been. So he’ll keep doing that until we get his minutes up and then obviously he’ll be our starter.”

Between offseason foot surgery and a sprained right toe, Garland has played in a total of 25 games this season, which is why the Clippers have been so cautious about slowly bringing their prized guard back.

In addition to coming off the bench, Garland will face a minutes restriction for the foreseeable future until Garland gets into game shape and the Clippers become comfortable with his return to competition.

“I’m very excited that he’s going to be on the floor,” Lue said. “Just excited for him and then to let him play. Be aggressive, try to get his air, try to get his timing down, and just play free. Just want to get him out on the floor, see what we can do, how we can change some things up, but just excited to get him on the floor.”

In his introductory press conference, Garland told members of the media that Tyronn Lue planned to use him like Kyrie Irving, and Lue confirmed those plans.

“That’s what I told him,” Tyronn Lue explained in early February, shortly after the trade. “He went back and watched a lot of film from those days. We’ll put the ball in his hands, he’s got to be able to make plays for himself and his teammates. He’s got the ability to do that.

“If you look at all the charts, he’s second in the league in pick-and-rolls and making quick decisions off plays, so he knows how to play the game. We need everything from that, his ability to score the basketball, his ability to make people better, create momentum, create momentum. He can do it all.”

In his 408 game career over seven NBA seasons, Darius Garland has averaged 18.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.1 steals per game, while shooting 45.3 percent from the field and 38.6 percent from three.

On Sunday evening, the Atlanta Hawks picked up their fourth consecutive win with a home win over the Portland Trail Blazers. It was another great game for recent trade acquisition Jonathan Kuminga, who scored 20 points off the bench in his third game since joining the lineup.

Kuminga was recently acquired by the Hawks from the Golden State Warriors in exchange for big man Kristaps Porzingis, and at one point during Sunday’s game, Kuminga threw down a dangerous tomahawk dunk, followed by another contested left-handed slam.

The Hawks announcers saw Jonathan Kuminga wave his hands in the air on the dunk and immediately started clowning for the Warriors to give up on him 😭😭

“Thank you Golden State Warriors! We appreciate it”

“How you give up on a young man with that potential is beyond me.” pic.twitter.com/7faJmMPiI5

– Hater Report (@HaterReport) 2 March 2026

After the epic play, Hawks legend and commentator Dominique Wilkins shouted out the Warriors for their role in the Kuminga deal.

“Thank you to the Golden State Warriors. We appreciate it,” Wilkins said. “…How you give up on a young man with that potential is beyond me.”

Making matters more embarrassing for the Warriors is the fact that Porzingis has played just one game in Golden State, suffering from an illness that also plagued him during his brief stint with Atlanta.

Overall, Kuminga fits the Hawks’ vision of building a team of young, athletic wings who can run the floor and push the ball in transition. It should be noted that Kuminga’s three appearances in Atlanta have come against less than stellar competition, but for Atlanta fans who have endured a disappointing 2025-26 season so far, they are glad they have something to cheer about.

There are certainly concerns about having Kuminga, Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels out of the lineup, especially as it relates to the trio’s ability to drain perimeter shots. However, if they can improve in that department, Atlanta could have an interesting young tandem of versatile wings on their hands.

In any case, the Hawks will look to pick up their fifth consecutive win against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night.

LOS ANGELES – After a three-game losing streak, the Los Angeles Lakers managed to get back on track with consecutive blowout wins, most recently a 128-104 win against the Sacramento Kings on Sunday. During the Lakers’ loss, fans and media alike criticized him, and then started singing praises after the win, but Luka Doncic didn’t pay any attention to it.

After the Lakers’ win against the Kings, Luka Doncic talked about not thinking too far ahead and staying grounded while blocking out what outside voices have to say.

“Obviously it was two great wins. But we have to take it game by game,” Doncic said. “Obviously there’s a lot of noise outside. I try not to pay attention to that. We’ve got to go game by game and the last two games have been good.”

Doncic did his part in helping the Lakers get the narrow win. He finished with a game-high 28 points in 29 minutes while shooting 10 of 16 from the field, 4 of 8 from the 3-point line and 4 of 7 from the free-throw line. He also added five rebounds, nine assists, one steal and one blocked shot.

Earlier in the season, Doncic was a strong contender for the MVP award. Although those discussions have cooled off since then, it’s possible he finds himself back in the running depending on how the rest of the Lakers’ season goes.

Doncic currently leads the NBA in scoring with 32.6 points per game. He also averaged 7.7 rebounds, 8.6 assists and 1.4 steals while splitting 47.1 percent shooting from the field, 35.8 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 77.5 percent shooting from the free-throw line.

Following the Lakers’ win against the Warriors, head coach JJ Redick spoke about his confidence in the team still being able to reach the level of competitiveness he wants them to perform on a consistent basis. After the win against the Kings, he also admitted not to get too caught up in outside noise.

“The world has fallen for us 19 times. It’s part of the nature of this cycle,” Redick said. “As I’ve talked about every game, our players have bounced back and responded well throughout the season. We’re tied for fifth and a few games into the loss column and none of these teams are coming at us. We’re just going to keep playing to win.”

The Lakers’ next chance to add to their current winning streak is on Tuesday, March 3 against the New Orleans Pelicans.

The Los Angeles Lakers snapped a three-game losing streak with a 129-101 win against the Golden State Warriors on Saturday. The Lakers showed from start to finish the type of complete effort that head coach JJ Redick has been asking for all season.

Some of the Lakers’ issues this season may be due to inconsistency in the lineup and rotation due to injuries, and JJ Redick acknowledged this after the team’s win against the Warriors. But part of it also has to do with the energy and intensity, or lack thereof, that the Lakers have shown at times.

But after a full 48-minute effort against the Warriors, Redick admitted he believes the team will eventually get to the level he wants them to be before the season is over.

“As I said before the game, these guys want to make it right. They’re trying. I know our staff, I know myself, we’re always looking for answers and solutions. That’s it, we’re trying to find solutions,” Redick said during his postgame press conference. “I am confident that we will reach the level we want to reach.”

Redick further said, “It’s partially due to the disruption of the lineup and different factors. We haven’t had the consistency I thought we were going to have coming into this year.” “It’s taken longer than I thought, but I’m confident we’ll get there.”

After the win against the Warriors, the Lakers improved to 35–24 on the season. They are just two games behind the No. 3 seed Houston Rockets in what is shaping up to be a competitive race for position in the Western Conference during the regular season.

There are only three and a half games that separate the No. 3 seed and the No. 7 seed. The Phoenix Suns are currently in seventh place. The No. 7 seed will be directly out of the playoffs and will have to go through the play-ins.

Last season, the Lakers finished with the third seed in the West playoff picture, but were eliminated in the opening round by the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games.

Redick is in his second year as head coach of the Lakers, and the team is currently in sixth place in the West standings. They are only a game and a half up on the Suns and potentially falling into the play-ins. They have 22 games left in the regular season to continue showing the level of competitiveness Redick is confident they can reach.

Luka Doncic had a birthday he’ll never forget, and he ended it by sharing a laugh with the greatest shooter of all time. After the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Golden State Warriors 129-101 on Saturday night, Doncic and Stephen Curry met with each other for a warm hug and some banter, even after a blowout.

The Slovenian superstar turned 27 on Friday, but the real party took place at the Chase Center. Doncic dominated right from the start and put up a massive line of 26 points, six rebounds and eight assists. He carved out the Warriors’ defense with surgical precision, shooting 9 of 17 from the field and connecting on four triples. It was the kind of performance that reminded everyone why the Lakers pushed all of their chips into the middle to get him.

Steph Curry and Luka Doncic share some laughs after Lakers’ win over Warriors 🔥

pic.twitter.com/4OCdHHq84s

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 1 March 2026

While the Lakers took care of business, Gui Santos did his best to keep Golden State in the hunt. The Brazilian finished 6 of 12 from the field with 14 points and two assists. The Warriors had no answer to the Lakers’ size and transition game, as Los Angeles outscored them in fast-break points.

This win is a big momentum boost for a Lakers team that has faced a lot of criticism recently. LeBron James anchored the interior with 22 points and nine assists, while Austin Reaves scored 18 points to provide the needed scoring balance.

For the Lakers, seeing their franchise cornerstone share a light-hearted moment with a legend like Curry signals a changing of the guard in the Western Conference. If Doncic continues to play at this MVP level, Los Angeles could be the “contender” everyone expected.

Lately, the Los Angeles Lakers haven’t had much to celebrate. They are on a three-game losing streak, which began with a loss to traditional rivals the Boston Celtics. So when Luka Doncic’s 27th birthday came, the entire Lakers team was seen celebrating it wholeheartedly.

LeBron James led the group in singing “Happy Birthday” for the Slovenian international player, who wears number 77 for both the Lakers and his national team. Doncic’s teammates then presented the highlight of the celebration before their game against the Golden State Warriors, a birthday cake shaped like a jersey but broken down the middle; According to a post on X by ClutchPoints, one half represents their national team, and the other the franchise.

Lakers wish happy birthday to Luka Doncic, who turns 27 today

(via @lakers)pic.twitter.com/CfHfr8ekrn

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 1 March 2026

“Slow-Lakers,” Doncic read from the cake, which quickly became a chant the entire room started chanting. The Lakers undoubtedly got reason to celebrate despite the loss, with Luka Magic turning 27 on February 28.

Regardless, the Lakers are still in sixth place in the West with a 34–24 record, but have lost significant positions to teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets, who have a 37–23 record. Doncic and co. I have a simple way to eliminate slippage.

They have a relatively healthy roster with one each of Austin Reeves, LeBron and Doncic to call upon. In comparison, the Warriors are seriously handicapped, with Jimmy Butler and LJ Cryer out, the Curry brothers out, Kristaps Porzingis questionable and Draymond Green probable.

The Lakers need to steady the ship quickly to avoid sinking further, with teams like the Phoenix Suns (34-26) in close pursuit. The Suns handed them their third of three consecutive losses, two of which were against teams the Lakers had expected to beat.

In addition to the Celtics, the Lakers also lost to the Orlando Magic 110–109, which again came despite the presence of their big three players. A win would not only mean an end to the streak, but would also put an end to the noise over fitting their three biggest stars into the same starting lineup.

The Los Angeles Lakers will be looking to travel to Chase Center to play the in-form Golden State Warriors, having lost three of their last four games. The Warriors come into this game in better form, having won two of their last three games, including the latest, which was a 133-112 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Lakers have been given a big boost given the confirmation of Stephen Curry out in addition to Jimmy Butler. Their own injury report is almost clear, and they will once again look to Luka Doncic to provide offensive boost. The overall injury scenario has also transformed into odds, with DraftKings giving favorable odds to the visitors.

Lakers vs Warriors Odds

Lakers: -4.5

Warrior: +4.5

Above: 229.5

Under: 229.5

Lakers vs. Warriors Major Injuries

Stephen Curry has been officially ruled out with a knee injury. The Warriors will also be without Jimmy Butler III, Seth Curry and LJ Cryer. Forward Draymond Green is listed as probable, while big man Kristaps Porzingis is questionable to suit up.

The Lakers enter the contest relatively healthy, with Rui Hachimura questionable and two absent, including Bronny James, due to G League assignment.

Lakers vs Warriors Betting Trends

The Lakers are 21-13 against the spread (ATS) as a favorite this season, including a sharp mark of 10-6 ATS as a road favorite. Los Angeles has been extremely profitable in tight lines, going 7-2 ATS when favored by between two and five points. They are also 4-2 ATS in their last six meetings with Golden State.

Golden State has struggled to cover recently, posting a 3-7 ATS record in their last 10 games. They are 5-8 ATS this season entering as underdogs by 4.5 points or more.

Overs have been a major trend in this rivalry, with eight of the last 10 head-to-head contests between the Lakers and Warriors being overmatched. The over has been hit in 57.6% of Golden State’s games this season, including five of their last six contests.

Keys to Lakers vs. Warriors matchup

The Lakers (34-24) arrived at Chase Center desperate to stop a three-game losing streak, which included a 22-point loss against the Celtics and a close 113-110 loss at Phoenix. They have all three of their Big-3 fit and firing, although that has been the case in recent defeats. Still, the Lakers know they face a lineup without their best players and they have enough firepower to pull out a dominant win.

Golden State will need Draymond Green to orchestrate the offense while solidifying the defense, while they will continue to rely on Brandin Podziemski (12.3 ppg) and Moses Moody (12.0 ppg) for scoring.

Lakers vs Warriors Predictions and Selections

The Lakers have a stellar 18-12 record on the road and are looking much better on the injury report. Without Curry, the Warriors are always vulnerable and may struggle to hold up against the stack attack.

Additionally, LA continues to show weakness inside the paint and has actually gotten worse with their best players on the court. Still, this should prove straightforward for Luka Doncic and company.

Spread Pick: Lakers -4.5

Over/Under Pick: more than 229.5

The Los Angeles Lakers are set to take on the Golden State Warriors on Saturday in what should be a competitive matchup between the two Western Conference teams. It’s also Luka Doncic’s birthday, and he’s preparing to continue his birthday streak.

During Doncic’s eight-year career, Saturday’s game will mark the sixth time he has played on his birthday. The now 27-year-old guard has recorded 30 or more points in the last three games played on his birthday. He scored 39 points in 2023, 30 points in 2024 and 31 points in 2025.

birthday luca 🤝 luca magic

Dončić on this day in the last 3 years:
▪️ 39 PTS (2023)
▪️ 30 PTS (2024)
▪️ 31 PTS (2025)

What does he have in store for his 27th night in the Bay today? 👀

Red/GSW | 8:30pm ET on ABC pic.twitter.com/igXpLif6hs

– NBA (@NBA) 28 February 2026

Luka Doncic should have a great chance to score at least 30 points against the Warriors. Especially considering he’s averaging a league-high 32.7 points per game. This is the third time in his career so far that he is averaging more than 30 points per game. The six-time All-Star is averaging 7.8 rebounds, 8.6 assists and 1.4 steals per contest, while shooting 47.0% from the floor and 35.7% from beyond the three-point line.

They will also have a chance to break the Lakers’ three-game losing streak. It’s been a tough stretch for Los Angeles lately, as the last two losses have been by three points or less. The Orlando Magic and Phoenix Suns both beat LA thanks to some clutch shots and leads in the final seconds of those games.

The Lakers and Warriors are set to tip off at 8:30 PM EST. It will be in Golden State, making it the second consecutive road game for Luka Doncic and the Lakers.

The Los Angeles Lakers travel to Chase Center on Saturday night for a primetime Pacific Division showdown against the Golden State Warriors. LeBron James and Co. have lost each of their last three meetings and will face a team that has won two of their last three games.

According to the official injury report, both Draymond Green and Kristaps Porzingis are on the injury report ahead of this matchup. Green is currently listed as probable as he is dealing with a left lower back injury, while Porzingis is questionable due to a general illness.

While those two players can still play, Stephen Curry will not play as he has been confirmed out with a right patellofemoral injury. Curry joins players like his brother Seth, Jimmy Butler and LJ Cryer who have opted out.

For the Lakers, Rui Hachimura is questionable while Bronny James and Edou Thirou are out due to G League assignments.

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Draymond Green and Kristaps Porzingis’ injury status vs. Lakers

Given that Draymond Green is probable on the injury report, the assumption is that he will be involved in a marquee matchup. The veteran forward is currently averaging 8.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.1 assists per contest while shooting 41% from the field.

Porzingis is questionable and his chances of playing are slim given his questionable status. The division-leading Lakers (34-24) arrive in San Francisco desperate to snap a three-game losing streak after a narrow 113-110 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Thursday.

Despite their recent struggles, Los Angeles will once again look to their Big-3 for inspiration. Luka Doncic leads the NBA with 32.7 points per game (adding 7.8 rebounds and 8.6 assists), Austin Reaves is enjoying a career year averaging 24.6 points, and the ageless LeBron James is contributing 21.5 points, 7.0 assists and 5.7 rebounds per night.

Los Angeles and Golden State have split their first two head-to-head meetings this season, with both previous games taking place in Los Angeles. The Lakers are 18-12 on the road this year, while the Warriors are 19-11 at home.

Lakers injury report

Rui Hachimura: doubtful (illness)

Bronny James: Out (G League – On Assignment)

Edou Thirou: Out (G League – On Assignment)

warriors injury report

Draymond Green: Probable (left lower back injury management)

Kristaps Porzingis: doubtful (illness)

Stephen Curry: Out (right patellofemoral pain syndrome)

Seth Curry: Out (left sciatic nerve irritation)

Jimmy Butler III: Out (right ACL surgery)

LJ Cryer: Out (G League – Two-Way)

The deficit is mounting while Ja Morant watches from the sidelines. Sure, the team’s 2026 NBA Draft Lottery odds are improving, but it would be easy for FedEx Forum’s most loyal fans to mentally check out for the rest of the season. They shouldn’t do it, for the same reasons Tuomas Isalo can’t. The Memphis Grizzlies have been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons recently, but there is still a lot at stake heading into the last few weeks of the season.

Although the expectations of the NBA playoffs have almost faded, this round is certainly the most important evaluation period of the Zack Kleiman era. The front office needs answers before committing significant financial capital to its young core, and the court is currently loaded with players auditioning for their NBA future.

GG Jackson is getting paid

GG Jackson has been one of the most compelling players in the league, let alone the roster. After all he is still one of the youngest players in the NBA. Now operating without Jaren Jackson Jr., the former South Carolina standout is averaging 17.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.7 steals/blocks while shooting 47.8% from beyond the arc. The 21-year-old has been one of the few bright spots of February, essentially starring in a new version of the Desmond Bain-Jarren Jackson Jr. role.

Heavy usage, varied shot creation and increased defensive responsibility are expected for the remainder of the season. Jackson will not replace Ja Morant; No one can do that in Memphis, but the Grizzlies really need to determine what that will be. The front office is facing an important financial decision regarding Jackson’s second contract.

Their current performance suggests a valuation north of $10 million annually, which moves them out of the mid-tier exception zone and into a long-term commitment. These final games are an audition for a big payday.

pin a point

Putting the Ja Morant trade drama aside, Tuomas Isalo also needs clarity at the backup point guard spot. Neither Cam Spencer nor Scottie Pippen Jr. made this an easy decision; Jevon Smalls and Walter Clayton Jr. still need developmental reps. Ty Jerome seems more suited to an off-ball role. The Grizzlies are effectively sitting at six point guard options and absolutely zero certainty.

Pippen Jr. brings toughness, fight and an obvious appreciation for the city. He’s exactly the kind of player a rebuilding team wants in the locker room. The problem is one of uniformity. He just hasn’t demonstrated it enough yet. Economics also make the decision feel urgent. Only $350,000 of Pippen Jr.’s $2.4 million contract for next season is guaranteed. That leverage clearly puts Memphis out there, but it also means these final weeks are effectively an effort.

Spencer has shown that he can be one of the best shooters on the planet, although he continues to struggle defensively and handle actual point guard duties for extended stretches. If he can’t run the show, maintain elite shooting efficiency, and become a little more solid as an offensive guard, Spencer’s minutes will dry up once the roster is healthy. Putting in some work won’t be enough to demand a second contract next summer, especially if Darius Acuff or Kingston Flemings is drafted by Memphis.

Ty Jerome is struggling with emotions

Ty Jerome didn’t sign up for a full-scale rebuild. The wily 28-year-old veteran took a deal expecting a competitive team around him, and instead, he’s headed to a season that has lost most of its expected key pieces. Jerome suffered most of the season due to an off-season injury, but nobody got the better of him. No buyer’s remorse yet, but the Grizzlies and the rest of the NBA need something before the summer arrives.

Hopefully Isalo will provide a lot of opportunities. Maximizing the value of Jerome’s expiring $9.2 million deal before the NBA Draft would help everyone going into blank-slate situations. A strong finish alleviates those lingering injury concerns and potentially turns a lousy contract into a long-term asset over time.

tough times for taylor hendricks

The Grizzlies have had their big men hit for too long, and the problems continue. Even incomplete minutes could help the front office determine whether Hendricks fits in with the oft-injured Zach Eddy. Unfortunately, according to Isalo, the Grizzlies did not find the right circumstances to make the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade piece a profitable situation.

“I mean, with every player, whether it’s a steady situation, most of the time for a player like Taylor, it’s going to come down to the puck. It’s getting ahead of your own man, then making good decisions, and developing the skill set of finishing at the rim or finding those open shooters. He was in a tough situation (against the Golden State Warriors). Kyle Anderson started late for the game, and Taylor was a starter after being with the team for a very short time. “Got into the new situation. I thought he did a great job there without even practicing it. Obviously, that’s the big situation (with Jack Eddy).”

expandable evaluation

The Grizzlies are considering a series of roster decisions that will define the franchise’s financial outlook. Hendricks, Jackson and Jaylen Wells are all extension-eligible, meaning their future roles need to align with the salary cap investment. This creates a natural hierarchy with Ty Jerome and Cedric Coward slotting into the wing/off-ball rotation.

Kleiman’s front office can’t afford to enter into extension talks by guessing. Memphis needs data. Players need representatives. They need to know who will fit in with who when the core finally returns.

Losses may dominate the box score, but the evaluation season is not meaningless. For the Grizzlies, the next few weeks will decide everything from the backup point guard job to future contracts. The future of the franchise is essentially being decided on stage every night. For fans who care about what happens next, there’s a lot to see.

The Golden State Warriors suffered a huge loss in their matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night. To recap, the Warriors were missing Stephen Curry, Kristaps Porzingis and Draymond Green, plus a long-term injury sidelined Jimmy Butler for an extended period of time. Even their leading scorer had to sit out for the second consecutive night in De’Anthony Melton’s loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night.

But the Warriors still got back to winning ways; It was a team effort that led to the Dubs’ 133–112 win on the road. Eight different players scored in double figures for the Warriors, and it was rookie guard Will Richard who finished the night as the team’s leading scorer with 21 points on 9-15 shooting from the field and 2-6 shooting from deep.

Richard finished with five rebounds, six assists and three steals to round out a fine effort to lead the Warriors to the win. In doing so, Richard became the fourth rookie to have at least 20 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals in a single game this season, joining Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel and Jeremiah Fears as the only players to do so, according to WillRichardMuse on X (formerly Twitter).

It has to be said that the absence of some key players for the Dubs gave Richard a chance to fill up the stat sheet. However, he has shown time and again that he can step up when given the opportunity, and that is exactly what he did.

Warriors’ troubles are increasing amid difficult weather

The hits have kept coming for the Warriors; Curry is currently dealing with a knee injury, and the man he got in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga hasn’t been able to play a few games in a row during his ongoing bout with POTS.

The Warriors will need more from their undrafted players these games, and if Richard can maintain this level of play he should earn himself more minutes.

On Tuesday night, Jonathan Kuminga made his highly anticipated debut for the Atlanta Hawks after the Golden State Warriors decided to trade him along with Buddy Hield in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis. And as it (unfortunately) happened, the Hawks’ main man and starting power forward Jalen Johnson had to exit early with a hip injury – paving the way for Kuminga to defeat the Washington Wizards in his first game with his new team.

Kuminga, in just 24 minutes off the bench, scored 27 points on 9-12 shooting from the field, leading all players in scoring in the process. If Johnson were to miss time for the Hawks, Kuminga would be called upon to take on a larger scoring load, and based on early returns, he is capable of doing so for a team looking to establish itself as a playoff team.

As a result of Kuminga’s lackluster first game in a Hawks uniform, some Warriors fans expressed disappointment that head coach Steve Kerr could not make things work in Kuminga’s five seasons with the team, especially after Golden State lost a close game against the lifeless New Orleans Pelicans.

“I’ll never forget what Kerr did to Kuminga,” wrote X user @__pettyhardaway.

“As surely as the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, some people are going to say, ‘Well, Kuminga didn’t do it for Golden State…’. Well, I say it, it’s hard to do anything off the bench,” @Rickygreeneyze said.

@klewis1123 added, “I see Kuminga had 27 days for ATL tonight…glad the GS decided he had no real use for that kind of athleticism, scoring or perimeter shooting.”

@RookieHigh reported, “Kuminga with 27 points on 12 shots in just 24 minutes… extremely talented but Kerr wanted to force him to be a corner screen setter.”

“The Warriors could have used Kuminga tonight but at least they have Porzingis… wait… Porzingis doesn’t play…” @NinerGangManny joked.

The New Orleans Pelicans have had a tough season and continue to stumble in the standings, but they look forward to the return of guard Dejounte Murray.

On January 31, 2025, Dejounte Murray suffered a torn right Achilles tendon in the Pelicans’ game against the Boston Celtics. Murray played only eight minutes and nine seconds before suffering an injury.

After missing 13 months due to an Achilles injury and working hard to return, the Pelicans guard made his season debut and return from injury on Tuesday night when the Pelicans hosted the Golden State Warriors inside the Smoothie King Center.

In a tremendous show of respect, the Pelicans reorganized their starting lineup and named Dejounte Murray at the last spot in the group while the crowd cheered him on.

https://x.com/RodWalkerNola/status/2026465486892834952

On the first play of the game, center DeAndre Jordan found Murray cutting to the left corner with a bounce pass. Murray made an acrobatic reverse layup, giving him his first basket back since the injury.

Dejounte Murray goes backdoor for his first bucket in his comeback

This is their first game after January 31, 2025!

pic.twitter.com/51kXHZ6nBM

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 25 February 2026

Dejounte Murray played five minutes in his first period and ended the game to a loud ovation from the Pelicans fans. Murray finished with four points on 2-of-3 shooting from the field.

Murray had been growing rapidly over the past few weeks, but only six months after Achilles surgery did he regain some of his athletic ability. The Pelicans guard actually posted a video of himself throwing down a reverse dunk with relative ease six months into his recovery.

6 months and it feels lighter!!! 😁 I’ll see you all again soon!!! 😤😈 #dm5🖤 pic.twitter.com/PuThC0u386

– Dejounte Murray (@DejounteMurray) 20 August 2025

Since becoming a full-time starter in the 2020 season, Dejounte Murray has averaged 18.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 1.7 steals per game while shooting 45.5 percent from the field. If Murray can get back to form quickly, this could either make for an interesting part of the Pelicans’ rebuild or a great trade piece for a team lacking an athletic, do-everything guard.

The New Orleans Pelicans will take on the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night and it will mark many special occasions for the franchise’s players.

First and foremost, guard Dejounte Murray will make his long-awaited return to the basketball court in January 2025 after missing a total of 13 months due to a torn right Achilles tendon.

Head coach James Borrego said before the game, Murray would play and be on a one-minute limit in the game.

But Tuesday night will also mark a milestone for forward Zion Williamson. Duke’s former number one player has suffered a number of injuries since entering the league in 2019, and everyone is hoping he will finally turn a corner this season.

Tuesday night will mark Williamson’s 26th consecutive start, a new career high for the Pelicans forward.

Zion Williamson is set to make his 26th consecutive start tonight, which would be the longest of his career.

– MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) 24 February 2026

So far, Zion Williamson has played in 42 of the Pelicans’ 58 games this season, averaging 21.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.0 steals, while shooting 58.7 percent from the field.

According to Spotrac’s Keith Smith, Friday’s game against the Bucks was the 41st game of the season for Zion Williamson, who triggered a $16.8 million contract guaranteed for the 2026-27 season.

If Williamson is able to play eight more games to reach 51 after tonight, his contract guarantees will increase to $25.3 million. If he plays 61 games it will jump to $33.7 million.

If Williamson plays 61 games and meets certain weight criteria, he can fully guarantee the $42.2 million he is owed for the 2026–27 season.

The Pelicans have 24 games remaining on Tuesday, meaning Williamson will have to play in 19 of the final 24 games to have a chance to fully guarantee a deal next season.

In his seven seasons in the NBA, Zion Williamson has played 24 games in his rookie season, 61 in his second season, did not play at all in the 2021-22 season, 29 games in his third season, 70 games in his fourth season, and 30 games in his fifth season.