Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors are setting their sights on a return to the NBA playoffs for the 2026-27 season, outlining six clear objectives to get there. The team wrapped up its preseason schedule with a 128-118 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on October 16, finishing with a 4-2 record in exhibition games. Their final test before the regular season is a road game against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 21.
Curry's emphatic reaction to preseason doubts set the tone. The first objective hinges on health. Stephen Curry and new center Kristaps Porziņģis must combine to play 120 games, with at least 40 of those together. Porziņģis is mandatory for coach Steve Kerr's new "five out" offense due to his deep shooting. "We know we're going to need Kristaps, and we feel very confident that we'll have him at some point," Kerr said on Media Day.
The second goal involves the medical room. Jimmy Butler III and Moses Moody need to return from major injuries before the All-Star break. Both are progressing in individual workouts. General manager Mike Dunleavy noted the team built depth to hold the fort. "Hopefully when they do get back, it will give us a nice boost," Dunleavy said.
Rookie forward Yaxel Lendeborg making the All-Rookie first team is the third objective. His energy and versatility could provide a major spark. The fourth point is about internal growth. Jonathan Kuminga must take another step as a two-way force, improving his perimeter defense and playmaking.
The Warriors' 4-2 preseason record offered glimpses of their potential. They beat the Sacramento Kings 111-106 on October 10 and topped the Lakers 101-89 on October 13. A 124-98 win over Los Angeles on October 6 showed offensive firepower. Losses to the LA Clippers and Portland earlier in the schedule highlighted areas for adjustment.
These games tested rotations and systems without a fully healthy roster. The consistent scoring, including the 128-point outburst against Portland, suggests the offensive philosophy is taking root. Defense and rebounding will be watched closely as the real games begin.
Immediate focus shifts to the season opener against the Lakers. It's a tough Western Conference road test to start the campaign.
The long-term path is defined by those six objectives. If the Warriors can handle the health of Curry, Porziņģis, Butler, and Moody, and get a jolt from Lendeborg and Kuminga, a playoff return is within reach. It won't be easy in a loaded West. But Curry's preseason message made the team's belief clear. They are not planning for the play-in tournament. They are aiming higher.
