The Golden State Warriors are staring down one of their toughest matchups of the season-and they might have to do it without some key reinforcements. As they prepare to host the red-hot Oklahoma City Thunder, who are riding a 12-game win streak and sitting at a league-best 20-1, Golden State finds itself in a familiar position: shorthanded and searching for answers.
Stephen Curry has already been ruled out with a left quadriceps contusion, stripping the Warriors of their offensive engine against a Thunder squad that’s been suffocating teams with elite defense and relentless rebounding. And now, there’s uncertainty around Jimmy Butler, too.
Butler took a hard fall in Golden State’s last outing and is officially listed as questionable with a left glute contusion. True to form, the veteran forward kept things light postgame, cracking that he landed on “straight a**” and insisting he’s got “enough cushion” to handle it. Still, despite the humor, Butler acknowledged the magnitude of the moment, calling the upcoming clash a “big game” and saying he expects to be ready.
The Warriors will need him. With Curry sidelined and the Thunder playing some of the best basketball in the league, Butler’s two-way presence becomes even more critical. He’s not just a scorer-they’ll need his toughness, his defensive instincts, and his ability to steady the ship when things get chaotic.
Draymond Green, meanwhile, is listed as probable with a right midfoot sprain and is expected to play. That’s a big lift for Golden State, especially considering the physicality Oklahoma City brings to the floor. Green’s ability to anchor the defense, quarterback the offense, and set the emotional tone will be essential.
But the injury report doesn’t stop there. Al Horford remains out with right sciatic nerve irritation, and Trayce Jackson-Davis is questionable due to right knee tendonitis. De’Anthony Melton and Alex Toohey are still sidelined with long-term knee issues, leaving head coach Steve Kerr with limited options in the rotation.
Golden State enters the night at 11-10, good for the eighth seed in the Western Conference and 10-6 in games against West opponents. But this isn’t just another game-it’s a chance to measure themselves against the NBA’s current gold standard.
The Thunder, despite missing several rotation players, haven’t missed a beat. Alex Caruso (right quad soreness), Isaiah Hartenstein (right soleus strain), Nikola Topic (surgical recovery), and Luguentz Dort (right adductor strain) are all out. Rookie big man Thomas Sorber continues to recover from an ACL injury.
And yet, Oklahoma City keeps rolling. They’ve built their identity on defense and effort, ranking second in the league with 35.6 defensive rebounds per game.
They don’t just win-they wear teams down. Even without some of their usual contributors, the Thunder’s system remains airtight, and their confidence is sky-high.
For Golden State, this is more than just a December matchup-it’s a gut check. Whether Butler suits up or not, the Warriors will need to dig deep, lean on their veterans, and find a way to match OKC’s intensity. Because if there’s one thing the Thunder have made clear during this 12-game tear, it’s that they’re not just winning-they’re setting the tone for the rest of the league.
Tip-off is set, and the stakes are real. Let’s see what the Warriors have left in the tank.