Golden State Warriors vs New Orleans Pelicans: 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.

Murphy (knee) is listed as out for Wednesday's game against the Nets. Murphy will miss a second consecutive game due to a knee issue. His next opportunity to get back on the court will come Friday against the Grizzlies. While Murphy remains on the shelf Wednesday, Saddiq Bey could stay in the starting lineup.

Missi (knee) is out for Friday's game against Minnesota. Missi has been sidelined since picking up his injury Oct. 23. He remains without a timetable to return.

Mathurin has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Nets due to a right thumb sprain. Mathurin wasn't listed on the initial injury report, and the extent of the issue remains unclear. While he's not a major part of the regular rotation, Mathurin, Trey Murphy and Trendon Watford are all expected to be unavailable Wednesday, opening the door for Saddiq Bey, Herbert Jones and potentially Jordan Poole to play more minutes.

Watford (ankle) is out for Wednesday's game against the Nets. Watford continues to nurse a right ankle sprain. The forward lacks a concrete timetable for a return to the floor.