Warriors vs. Lakers Preseason opener: Injury Reports, Expected Minutes, and What to Watch
The Golden State Warriors are gearing up for their preseason opener against the Los Angeles Lakers this Sunday at Chase Center, and the outlook is largely positive regarding player availability. While a few players are still working their way back to full health, the core of the Warriors’ championship hopefuls is expected to see action. Here’s a complete breakdown of who’s in, who’s out, and what you can expect from this highly anticipated matchup.
Key Warriors Players – Availability Update
Good news for Warriors fans: most of your star players should be suiting up.However, Coach Steve Kerr is implementing a cautious approach, particularly with veterans.
* Steph Curry: Expected to play in the first half, with roughly 15 minutes of court time.
* Jimmy Butler: After a minor ankle tweak during training camp, Butler is anticipated to be healthy enough to play. he, like Curry, will see action only in the first half.
* Draymond Green: Also limited to the first half, with an estimated 15 minutes of play.
* Al horford: The newly signed stretch center is expected to participate against the lakers.
* Jonathan Kuminga: The re-signed forward is cleared to play and will be a key player to watch.
Players Currently Unavailable
Several Warriors players are still sidelined as they recover from injuries or ramp up their conditioning:
* De’Anthony Melton: Continuing his rehabilitation from a torn ACL sustained last season, Melton remains unavailable. His return timeline is still uncertain.
* Alex Toohey: The rookie forward will miss at least the first preseason game due to tendinitis in his right knee.
* Seth Curry: While fully healthy, Steph’s brother is being held out as he completes the team’s intake process and receives clearance from the training staff.
* Trayce Jackson-Davis: The third-year center is listed as questionable with a thumb injury.
Lakers Injury Situation – Key Absences
The Warriors won’t be facing a full-strength Lakers squad either. several key players are sitting out for various reasons:
* LeBron james: Missing the preseason opener with a glute injury. the lakers are prioritizing rest and recovery for their superstar.
* Luka Dončić: Also sidelined, the Lakers are managing Dončić’s workload after his extensive summer playing for Slovenia in EuroBasket.
* Austin Reaves: Held out for rest purposes, allowing him to prepare for the regular season.
What This Means for Sunday’s Game
Expect a strategic, measured approach from both teams. With key players on limited minutes, the preseason game will be an opportunity to evaluate player combinations and assess overall team conditioning.
For the Warriors, it’s a chance to see how the new additions – particularly Al Horford and De’Anthony Melton (when he returns) – integrate into the existing roster. You’ll want to pay attention to Kuminga’s performance as he looks to solidify his role within the team.
This game isn’t about the score; it’s about building a foundation for a prosperous season.
Looking Ahead
The Warriors will continue to monitor player health throughout the preseason. Updates will be provided as they become available. stay tuned for further coverage as the team prepares for the 2025-26 NBA season.
Originally Published: October 5, 2025
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