The Golden State Warriors begin their 2026-27 preseason campaign under a cloud of uncertainty, with key players Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody expected to miss opening night due to injury. This follows a difficult end to the previous season, where the team lost three of its final five games, including a 115-110 defeat to the LA Clippers on 2026-04-13. Stephen Curry's health remains a primary focus after he battled injuries for much of last year.
Injuries define the Warriors' immediate outlook. Jimmy Butler tore his ACL last season, squashing playoff hopes. Moses Moody is also sidelined. Their absences create a massive hole on the wing. Butler was the team's second-best player and a top two-way threat. At 37, he led the team in minutes and had its best assist-to-turnover ratio.
Moody's loss hurts just as much. He was the definitive 3-and-D option, posting a career-best three-point shooting season while guarding opponents' toughest perimeter players. His size and switching ability made him a lineup staple. Without him and the traded Jonathan Kuminga, forward depth is critically thin.
General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. Made several moves after a quiet start to summer. The team added veteran sharpshooter Georges Niang and guard Brandon Williams. Their most significant addition was drafting NCAA champion and Summer League MVP Yaxel Lendeborg. The 2026 Big Ten Player of the Year averaged 15.1 points and shot 37.2% from three at Michigan.
But the roster still has gaps. Big man Quinten Post left for the Memphis Grizzlies, and Golden State did not sign a traditional center. They will rely more on shooting bigs Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis to fill the void inside.
Yaxel Lendeborg will be thrust into a major role immediately. Head coach Steve Kerr has already praised the rookie's natural feel for the game and, notably, his passing vision. Kerr suggested he may need to push Lendeborg to be more aggressive to unlock his full potential. At 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-3 wingspan, his frame allows for elite finishing at the rim and defensive versatility.
He is an excellent rebounder who thrives in transition and on cuts. Playing alongside Stephen Curry should create open three-point looks for him. Lendeborg's skillset is needed more than ever with the wing injuries. His development will be a key subplot all season.
Any team with a healthy Stephen Curry has a chance. His presence alone forces defenses to adjust and creates opportunities for everyone. However, his ability to stay on the court is the single biggest factor for Golden State's success. Last season's injury struggles were a major reason the team never gained consistent ground.
The supporting cast must step up. The offensive burden cannot fall solely on Curry, especially early in the season. The integration of Niang's shooting and the playmaking of Williams will be important. The season starts with their backs against the wall, but counting out a Curry-led team is always a mistake.
