The Long View · Morning

Podziemski's Back Turns the Opener Into Lendeborg's Night

With Podziemski out in Los Angeles, the Warriors open the season leaning on a rookie Draymond Green has already crowned, and that is the right test to run.

By the Warriors Nightly Desk · Wednesday, October 21

ESPN's Anthony Slater reported that Brandin Podziemski will miss tonight's opener at the Lakers with back soreness, after he played all 82 games last season. Golden State starts 2026-27 without its most durable guard, and Porzingis, Butler and Moody are still sidelined.

Warriors Nightly artwork — Illustration by Hoops Nightly.

The durable one is the one missing

Podziemski was the only Warrior among last season's top eight scorers to play all 82 games, averaging 13.8 points in 28.4 minutes. He is expected back October 23 against Memphis, so this is one game, not a crisis. It still matters because he was the guard Kerr could count on. Dalton Johnson counted the Warriors as down essentially four starters for the opener.

Where 28 minutes go

Those minutes have to land somewhere, and the most interesting place is Yaxel Lendeborg. The rookie scored 17 in the 101-89 preseason win at the Lakers on October 13. Golden State of Mind reported that Green called him the next face of the franchise. De'Anthony Melton and Gary Payton II give Kerr veteran options, Gui Santos is back from his knee scare, and Al Horford was cleared October 17. Johnson reported Curry as probable and Charles Bassey as questionable.

What waits in Los Angeles

Luka Doncic averaged 33.5 points last season and Austin Reaves 23.3 for a Lakers team that went 53-29, while the Warriors went 37-45. Collin Sexton is day-to-day with a calf issue, and Adou Thiero and Cameron Carr are out. Both teams come in on four days of rest. Golden State won both preseason meetings, 124-98 and 101-89, but neither result counts tonight.

Audition or answer?

The schedule doesn't wait: Memphis on Friday, then Phoenix on Saturday and Denver on Monday. Tonight's real question is whether Lendeborg's minutes are a one-night fill-in or the start of a role he keeps once Podziemski returns. A rookie who earns trust in October is worth more to this roster than any trade it can't afford.

Is Brandin Podziemski playing in the Warriors' opener against the Lakers?

No. He was ruled out with back soreness, and his expected return is October 23 against the Grizzlies.

Is Stephen Curry playing against the Lakers tonight?

Curry was listed as probable with an ankle issue. Steve Kerr said he was fine after an injury scare at practice.

By the Warriors Nightly Desk, written from the club's data and the reports on file, with every name and number checked against them. How the desks work.