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Golden State Warriors head into Sunday night’s road clash against the Portland Trail Blazers looking to steady themselves after an uneven start to the season. Sitting at 13-13, Golden State is searching for consistency as the Western Conference race begins to tighten, but injuries could once again shape their rotation for this matchup in Portland.
Fresh off a home loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Warriors showed flashes of their offensive ceiling but struggled to maintain control down the stretch.
Stephen Curry delivered another elite scoring performance, while Jimmy Butler provided solid two-way contributions, yet Golden State could not overcome Minnesota’s physicality. Now, with another road test ahead, availability becomes a key storyline.
Al Horford officially ruled out again
Golden State has already confirmed that veteran big man Al Horford will not take the floor against Portland. Horford continues to deal with a sciatic nerve issue in his back, forcing him to miss his fourth straight game. His absence further thins Warriors’ frontcourt depth, particularly against a Trail Blazers team that has leaned heavily on athleticism and energy in recent outings.
With Horford sidelined, Golden State Warriors are expected to rely more heavily on Quinten Post and Trayce Jackson-Davis. Both young bigs could see extended minutes as Golden State looks to manage matchups and maintain rim protection without one of its most experienced interior presences.
Backcourt depth remains uncertain
While Horford is the only confirmed absence, Warriors are monitoring multiple players listed as questionable. Seth Curry is dealing with left glute soreness, an issue that could limit Golden State’s perimeter shooting depth if he is unable to go. Additionally, Gary Payton II is questionable due to illness, which could impact Warriors’ defensive versatility on the wing.
Payton’s status is particularly important against a Portland team that has shown an ability to generate scoring runs, led recently by Shaedon Sharpe. His defensive pressure and transition play have often been key stabilizers for Golden State.
Draymond Green returns at a crucial time
The most encouraging development for Golden State Warriors is the return of Draymond Green. After missing three consecutive games due to personal reasons and a right mid-foot sprain, Green is off the injury report and expected to play. His presence should immediately boost Golden State’s defensive organization, playmaking, and on-court leadership.
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