Kristaps Porzingis is out for the Warriors' 2026-27 season opener Friday against the Trail Blazers, listed on the injury report with an undisclosed issue. The absence leaves Golden State to open the year without its forward-center, with Jimmy Butler III, Stephen Curry and the rest of the rotation picking up his minutes.
What happened
Kristaps Porzingis was listed as out on the Warriors' injury report Friday at 8:23 a.m. ET, with the issue labeled undisclosed and no previous status on record. The report did note progress: Anthony Slater of ESPN.com reported Thursday that Porzingis returned to the Warriors' practice facility. He is not listed to play Friday night, and the team has not disclosed the nature of the injury.
What it means for the Warriors
Golden State opens its 2026-27 season at home against the Trail Blazers on Friday at 10:00 p.m. ET at 0-0, with no games played yet this season. Porzingis averaged 16.7 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 24.0 minutes last season across 32 games, and his absence removes a frontcourt scoring option before the opener even tips off. Jimmy Butler III (31.1 minutes, 20.0 points), Stephen Curry (30.9 minutes, 26.6 points) and Al Horford (21.5 minutes, 8.3 points) are among those who have carried heavier rotation minutes, along with Brandin Podziemski, Draymond Green, Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga and De'Anthony Melton. There is no regular-season record with or without him yet this season.
What to watch
The Warriors are expected to update Porzingis' status on upcoming injury reports as the season opener approaches and beyond. His expected return is listed as November 9, 2026, which would put him on the shelf for the opening weeks of the season. Golden State will provide further updates on his undisclosed injury as the Trail Blazers game and the following games arrive.
Is Kristaps Porzingis playing vs Trail Blazers?
No. He is listed as out on the Friday injury report with an undisclosed issue.
When will Kristaps Porzingis be back?
His expected return is listed as November 9, 2026, according to the injury report.