Golden State Warriors vs Oklahoma City Thunder: preview and player stats

Butler (knee) could return sometime between January and February as he continues recovering from a torn right ACL, Anthony Slater of ESPN reports. Butler, who underwent surgery after suffering the injury Jan. 19, has progressed to individual court work but still has several rehabilitation milestones to clear. His next step involves landing comfortably after a game-speed jump. Coach Steve Kerr is hopeful Butler can rejoin Golden State for the latter portion of the season, though no official return date has been announced. The 37-year-old forward remains a significant part of the Warriors' plans and could provide a substantial boost during the second half of the campaign.

Steve Kerr told reporters Wednesday that Curry said he tweaked something in his abdominal area and "had never done it before." Kerr added that the concern level is high, but they will await the MRI results, Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports reports. For now, Curry should be considered highly questionable for Friday's game in San Antonio. De'Anthony Melton started the second half for him after he left Wednesday's game, so Melton will likely get the starting nod if Curry can't play Friday. Brandin Podziemski and Yaxel Lendeborg should also see plenty of offensive opportunities sans Curry.

Moody (knee) is progressing toward a potential return between December and January after rupturing his left patellar tendon in March, Anthony Slater of ESPN reports. Moody has been limited to individual court work, but team sources indicate he's ahead of Jimmy Butler (knee) in the rehabilitation process and is expected to return before the veteran forward. The 24-year-old still has several recovery checkpoints to complete, and Golden State has not established an official timetable. His eventual return would help replenish a Warriors wing rotation that will open the season without both Moody and Butler.

Porzingis announced on his social media that he's stepping away from basketball. Porzingis said he was looking forward to joining the Warriors, but his body didn't respond the way he wanted it too during his ramp-up process before the season. Additionally, he said he will work with the Warriors on a solution that "makes sense." Porzingis is making this decision to prioritize his health and will hopefully turn a corner soon on that front.

Payton (knee) is out for Wednesday's game against Houston. Payton is sidelined for a second consecutive contest with knee inflammation. Will Richard (thumb) could slot into Payton's spot in the backcourt rotation Wednesday.

Williams (hamstring) will miss at least one week, per Anthony Slater of ESPN.com. Williams has been diagnosed with a hamstring strain in the aftermath of Monday's game against the Pelicans, and his status for Golden State's upcoming five-game road trip is in serious doubt. With Williams facing an extended absence, the Warriors are likely to lean more on De'Anthony Melton in the backourt.

Holmgren underwent a biological treatment Friday to address a small patellar tendon tear and will miss at least 8-10 weeks, Nick Crain of Slam reports. This is another massive blow to an Oklahoma City squad that's already set to be without Jalen Williams (leg) and Cason Wallace (shoulder) for most, if not all, of the season. With Holmgren sidelined, Kenrich Williams, Jaylin Williams and Aday Mara are all candidates to see increased playing time. Two-way player Brooks Barnhizer could also see more minutes.

Mitchell has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Trail Blazers due to a left ankle sprain. Mitchell won't play in the second half of the Thunder's back-to-back set due to a left ankle sprain. He finished with 14 points (6-10 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 2-2 FT), three rebounds, three assists and one steal across 28 minutes during Tuesday's 123-103 loss to Portland. In his absence, Alex Caruso, Bennett Stirtz and Nique Clifford are candidates for increased roles.

Williams (leg) underwent successful surgery Wednesday to "address a fractured left fibula and reconstruction of ankle ligaments following a fracture and dislocation." He will be re-evaluated before the end of the regular season, Tim MacMahon of ESPN.com reports. Williams suffered the injury during Sunday's meeting with the Clippers and was taken off the court on a stretcher. It's unknown when the 25-year-old will be cleared to return, though the Thunder will presumably be overly cautious moving forward. Williams, who signed a five-year extension in July of 2025, has had a productive career, averaging 17.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.3 steals over 30.9 minutes per contest. However, after playing at least 69 regular-season games in his first three years in the league, he has appeared in just 36 in the last two seasons combined. With the Thunder having one of the deepest rosters in the NBA, the team may look for more minutes from Jared McCain, Jaylin Williams, and Kenrich Williams for the remainder of the 2026-27 campaign.

Wallace underwent surgery Friday to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder and will be re-evaluated before the end of the regular season, Clemente Almanza of USA Today reports. Wallace is expected to miss most, if not all, of the season. However, there's still a chance he will return late in the campaign after sustaining the shoulder injury in Sunday's win over the Clippers. With Jalen Williams (leg) also set to be re-evaluated before the end of the regular season, Alex Caruso (ankle) should see significant playing time once cleared to return. In the meantime, Jared McCain, Bennett Stirtz and Josh Dix are expected to see increased burn.

Williams (back) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against Portland and remains out indefinitely. Williams is slated to miss a fifth straight game and doesn't have a return timetable, so it's fair to consider him week-to-week. With Chet Holmgren (knee) also sidelined, the Thunder will rely on Isaiah Hartenstein and Aday Mara.

Sorber (knee) is out for Wednesday's game against the Cavaliers. Sorber remains in recovery mode due to knee surgery. Until the Thunder update his timetable for a return, Sorber can be deemed week-to-week.