The Golden State Warriors are finally back on the floor after a long and drama-filled offseason. Following months of speculation around Jonathan Kuminga’s future and the team’s direction, Steve Kerr’s group is beginning to build rhythm ahead of the 2025–26 season.
Their preseason opener was a promising start — a 111–103 win over the Los Angeles Lakers — even with limited minutes for the stars. Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green each logged fewer than 15 minutes as Kerr and his staff balanced rest with early evaluation of the younger core.
Steve Kerr Confirms Stars Will Suit Up
Now, the stars are ramping up. The Warriors host the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night at Chase Center, and Kerr confirmed that Curry, Butler, Green, and veteran forward Al Horford will all be in uniform.
Warriors reporter Sam Gordon reported the update after Tuesday’s practice, noting that all four veterans are expected to take the floor for the team’s second preseason game.
Kerr also hinted that Wednesday’s matchup will come with a slightly heavier workload for his starters compared to Sunday’s opener.
“We usually ramp [the veterans] up a little bit each game,” Kerr said. “So I would imagine it’ll be a little bit more than the other night, but I’ll wait to see what Rick says.”
How the Warriors Are Managing Their Preseason Minutes
The Warriors have been methodical in their preseason approach for years, especially when it comes to their veteran leaders. Kerr typically increases minutes gradually, allowing players to find rhythm while avoiding unnecessary risk.
Last preseason, Curry didn’t play in every game but ramped up to near-regular minutes by the finale. This year’s plan appears similar: balance rest with conditioning while testing new lineup combinations.
The addition of Horford gives Kerr even more flexibility, and Wednesday will offer a second look at how that mix works alongside Curry, Butler, and Green after Sunday’s preseason opener against the Lakers. For fans attending the home matchup, it’s another chance to see the Warriors’ full veteran core share the floor early in October.
Warriors Focused on Chemistry Before Season Opener
GettySAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 29: Jimmy Butler III #10, Stephen Curry #30, and Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors joke around during the Golden State Warriors’ media day at Chase Center on September 29, 2025 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Golden State still has four preseason games left before opening the regular season on October 21 against the Los Angeles Lakers. The goal between now and then is less about results and more about rhythm.
Kerr has made it clear that the priority remains continuity and health. With the regular season approaching fast, the Warriors are focused on fine-tuning rotations, building chemistry with new faces, and making sure their stars are sharp — but fresh — when the games start to count.
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