The Golden State Warriors are staring down one of their toughest matchups of the season tonight - and they’re doing it shorthanded. Tip-off is set for 8:00 p.m.
PT at Chase Center, and the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder are rolling in with a 20-1 record and a 12-game win streak that’s turned heads across the league. For the Dubs, it’s not just about facing the hottest team in basketball - it’s about doing it without their franchise cornerstone, Steph Curry.
Curry is officially out with a left quadriceps contusion, and while the Warriors are being cautious - as they should be - it leaves a massive hole in their offensive engine. Golden State will need to get creative without their floor general, especially against a Thunder squad that’s been suffocating on defense and surgical on the other end.
There is a bit of a twist, though: Seth Curry will suit up for the first time this season. It’s not exactly a one-for-one replacement, but having another Curry on the floor adds a layer of intrigue (and maybe a few threes) to an otherwise uphill battle.
Warriors Injury Report
Out - Steph Curry (left quadriceps contusion)
This one stings.
Curry is the heartbeat of the Warriors’ offense, and with him sidelined, the team loses not just scoring and playmaking, but the gravitational pull that opens up everything else. Expect Golden State to lean heavily on ball movement and hope their supporting cast can step up.
Out - Al Horford (right sciatic nerve irritation)
Horford’s absence hurts, especially against a Thunder frontcourt featuring Chet Holmgren.
Horford’s veteran presence and defensive IQ would’ve been key in slowing down OKC’s interior attack. Instead, the Warriors will have to find other ways to contain Holmgren without their most experienced big.
Out - De’Anthony Melton (left ACL surgery)
Melton is still on the mend from ACL surgery, but there’s optimism he could return during the upcoming road trip. For now, though, his perimeter defense and secondary playmaking remain on the shelf - and that’s another blow to a rotation that’s already stretched thin.
Out - Alex Toohey (left knee injury recovery)
Toohey, still waiting on his NBA debut, has seen some action in Santa Cruz, but he’s not ready for the big stage yet. His development continues, but he won’t be a factor in tonight’s matchup.
Questionable - Jimmy Butler III (left gluteal contusion)
Butler took a hard fall in Saturday’s win but managed to finish the game.
Still, he’s listed as questionable, and his availability could swing the Warriors’ chances. Without Curry, Golden State needs every ounce of shot creation and defensive effort it can get.
If Butler can’t go, the already-narrow margin for error shrinks even more.
Probable - Draymond Green (right midfoot sprain)
Green is expected to play, and that’s a big deal.
His leadership, defensive versatility, and ability to initiate offense become even more critical without Curry. That said, the Warriors will be mindful of his long-term health - especially with a sprain that could linger if not managed carefully.
Thunder Injury Report
Out - Isaiah Hartenstein (right soleus strain)
The Thunder are missing their starting center, which could’ve been a break for the Warriors if not for Holmgren’s presence. Hartenstein’s absence takes away some of OKC’s depth in the paint, but they’ve got enough firepower to absorb the loss.
Out - Alex Caruso (right quad soreness)
Caruso’s out, and while that’s a loss for OKC’s perimeter defense, they’ve got plenty of wing depth to fill the gap. Still, his ability to disrupt passing lanes and hit timely shots will be missed.
Out - Luguentz Dort (right adductor strain)
Dort’s out too, and that’s not nothing.
He’s one of the Thunder’s best on-ball defenders and a physical presence on the wing. Without him, the Warriors might have a little more breathing room on the perimeter - but again, that’s assuming they can generate offense without Curry.
Out - Nikola Topić (surgical recovery)
Topić, a 2024 lottery pick, remains sidelined as he recovers from surgery following a testicular cancer diagnosis.
He hasn’t made his NBA debut yet, and while his absence doesn’t impact tonight’s rotation, it’s a reminder that some battles are bigger than basketball. All the best to him in his recovery.
Out - Drew Sorber (ACL tear)
Sorber, the 15th overall pick out of Georgetown, is out for the season with an ACL tear. He’s another young piece OKC is hoping to develop long-term, but he won’t be a factor in this campaign.
Available - Branden Carlson
Carlson, an undrafted big in his second season, is cleared to play. He’s had a limited role off the bench, but with Hartenstein out, he could see some extra minutes tonight.
What to Watch For
This game is a test of depth, resilience, and coaching adjustments. The Thunder are rolling, and with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren all healthy, they’ve got the kind of young core that can overwhelm even a full-strength opponent - let alone one missing its MVP.
For the Warriors, it’s about finding a way to stay competitive. That means big nights from Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins, steady play from Chris Paul, and maybe a spark from Seth Curry in his season debut. Draymond Green’s ability to anchor the defense and facilitate offense will be under the spotlight, and if Jimmy Butler III can suit up, his two-way impact could be a swing factor.
Golden State’s margin for error is razor thin. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned over the years, it’s that this team doesn’t back down from a challenge - even when the odds are stacked high.