The Golden State Warriors head into Sunday’s matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers in a noticeably better position health-wise than they were a week ago.
Draymond Green is expected back after missing three straight games, giving Golden State a much-needed stabilizing presence on both ends. The only regular rotation player still sidelined is Al Horford, who continues to deal with sciatica.
Portland’s injury report, meanwhile, tells a very different story.
The Blazers will again be without Jrue Holiday, who is close to returning but remains out with a calf issue. Scoot Henderson has yet to appear this season, Damian Lillard continues his recovery from last year’s Achilles injury, and both Matisse Thybulle and Blake Wesley are unavailable.
Portland does have some optimism up front, with Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams III listed as questionable but trending toward playing.
Why Deni Avdija Remains the Matchup to Watch
If there’s one consistent issue the Warriors have not solved in this matchup, it’s Deni Avdija.
Avdija has punished Golden State in both previous meetings this season, combining scoring efficiency with playmaking that has repeatedly bent the Warriors’ defense. He torched them for 26 points in each game, posting near triple-double production while forcing Golden State into uncomfortable defensive decisions.
The challenge is structural.
The Warriors don’t have a single defender built to neutralize Avdija’s blend of size, strength, and downhill creation. Instead, they’ve rotated bodies. Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody have taken the bulk of the assignment, with mixed results.
Sunday could introduce another wrinkle.
De’Anthony Melton is expected to see time on Avdija as well. While giving up size, Melton’s ability to apply early pressure and disrupt timing could matter. If he can prevent Avdija from getting downhill cleanly, it may force Portland into tougher decisions rather than letting Avdija orchestrate everything.
Stephen Curry Is Chasing History Again
GettyStephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors reacts after making a basket against the Phoenix Suns.
Stephen Curry continues to quietly rewrite the record book.
On Friday, Curry passed Michael Jordan for the most 35-point games by a player over the age of 30. The next milestone is already in reach. Curry and Jordan are currently tied with 44 career 40-point games after turning 30.
Portland’s recent defensive performance suggests the door may be open.
The Blazers surrendered 143 points in their last outing, and Curry has already found success against them this season. He scored 35 and 38 in the two previous meetings, and Golden State’s offense has looked increasingly comfortable when games turn fast.
If Curry gets rolling early, history could be back on the table.
What the Warriors’ Lineup Could Look Like
Golden State’s starting group remains fluid, but some pieces feel locked in.
Curry, Butler, and Green are expected to start. Quinten Post has opened the last three games at center and is likely to do so again.
The remaining spots are where things get interesting.
Golden State has experimented heavily. Will Richard previously earned starts before being held out in recent games. Buddy Hield and Pat Spencer have both been used alongside Curry in different combinations, with varying results depending on game flow.
One likely outcome is that Hield and Post round out the opening group, with the rest of the backcourt rotation settling itself organically. As has been the case lately, Steve Kerr appears comfortable letting performance dictate closing minutes rather than locking into preset roles.
Expect Brandin Podziemski, Melton, Moody, and Spencer to all see early run, with the most effective mix finishing the night.
Why This Game Matters for the Warriors
At 13–13, the Warriors are still searching for consistency more than statements. Sunday’s game offers a chance to correct a matchup that has quietly troubled them and to do so with their core intact.
Health alone doesn’t guarantee answers. But with Green back, Curry in rhythm, and Portland stretched thin, this is the kind of night where Golden State can test whether recent progress translates into control.
Against a familiar opponent, the margin may come down to execution rather than availability.
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