The Golden State Warriors are staring down a critical moment in their season. Coming off three straight losses and facing a Phoenix Suns team that just edged them out on Thursday, Golden State has a chance to stop the bleeding and reclaim some momentum. But it won’t come easy-because even when the Suns are missing pieces, they don’t play like a team that’s short-handed.
Saturday night’s rematch offers more than just a shot at redemption. It’s a gut-check game for a Warriors squad that’s struggled to maintain consistency and composure. And while the stars will be on the floor, both teams are dealing with a handful of injury concerns that could shape how this one plays out.
Golden State’s Injury Picture
The Warriors will be without a couple of key rotation pieces. Seth Curry is sidelined due to left glute injury management, and veteran big man Al Horford is out with right sciatic nerve irritation. Jonathan Kuminga is listed as questionable with an illness, which could be a swing factor depending on whether he suits up.
The good news? The core is intact.
Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green are all available, and that’s the heartbeat of this team. When those three are locked in, the Warriors can still hang with anyone.
But with the bench thinned out, they’ll need to lean even more heavily on their stars-and on doing the dirty work that doesn’t always show up in the box score.
Phoenix’s Injury Outlook
The Suns aren’t at full strength either. Grayson Allen is questionable with right knee soreness, and Jalen Green remains out with a right hamstring strain. Koby Brea is unavailable due to a G League two-way designation, and Isaiah Livers is questionable with a right hip strain.
Jordan Goodwin is available, though he’ll be playing through a jaw sprain and wearing a protective mask. And perhaps most importantly, both Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks are good to go.
That last name-Dillon Brooks-deserves some extra attention. He’s brought an edge to this Suns team that’s hard to ignore.
Love him or hate him, Brooks sets a tone. He’s physical, relentless, and not afraid to stir the pot.
Against a Warriors team that’s shown signs of emotional wear this season, his presence could be disruptive in all the ways Phoenix wants it to be.
What This Game Means
Thursday’s 99-98 Suns win was a slugfest, and the Warriors let it slip away late. Losing to the same team twice in three days would sting-not just because it’s the Suns, but because it would signal a deeper issue with Golden State’s ability to respond when things get tough.
This game is about more than just the standings. It’s about identity.
Can the Warriors dig deep, play with urgency, and match the Suns’ grit? Can they avoid the mental lapses that have cost them close games all season?
They’ll need to stay composed, especially if Brooks tries to bait them into frustration. They’ll need to win the hustle plays, the 50/50 balls, the possessions that don’t make highlight reels but decide outcomes. And they’ll need their stars to lead-not just with points, but with poise.
Right now, the season series is tied 1-1. Tip-off is set for 8:30 p.m.
EST on Saturday. For the Warriors, this isn’t just another game-it’s a chance to show they still have the fight to turn things around.