Golden State Warriors vs LA Clippers: preview and player stats (Dec 23, 2026)

Injury/Illness - Right ACL Repair / Surgery (2026-11-13, GSW@SAS). Prior reporting (2026-10-16): 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.

Injury/Illness - Right Oblique Tear (2026-11-13, GSW@SAS). Prior reporting (2026-11-12): Curry has been diagnosed with an oblique abdominal tear and will be re-evaluated in two weeks, Shams Charania of ESPN reports. Curry suffered the injury early during Wednesday's loss to the Rockets, with head coach Steve Kerr saying after the game that the superstar point guard "tweaked" something in his abdominal area. Curry has never dealt with an injury of this nature, so the Warriors, who are off to a hot start spearheaded by Rookie of the Year candidate Yaxel Lendeborg, will likely proceed with caution. Brandin Podziemski, Brandon Williams (hamstring), De'Anthony Melton, Will Richard and Gary Payton (knee) are all candidates for increased roles until Curry is cleared to play again.

Injury/Illness - Left Patellar Tendon Repair / Surgery (2026-11-13, GSW@SAS). Prior reporting (2026-10-16): 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.

Not With Team (2026-11-13, GSW@SAS). Prior reporting (2026-11-06): 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.

Injury/Illness - Left Hamstring Strain (2026-11-13, GSW@SAS). Prior reporting (2026-11-10): 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.

Injury/Illness - Left Toe Soreness (2026-11-13, GSW@SAS). Prior reporting (2026-11-12): Bassey is probable for Friday's game against the Spurs due to left toe soreness. It's not clear as to when this injury popped up for Bassey, who missed the first two games of the season with a knee issue but has been otherwise healthy. Expect the team to confirm his availability for Friday as tipoff nears.

Injury/Illness - Left Rotator Cuff Surgery (2026-11-13, OKC@LAC). Prior reporting (2026-08-26): Miller underwent surgery Wednesday to repair a torn left rotator cuff and will be re-evaluated in six months, per Law Murray of The Athletic. It's a tough break for Miller, who had an opportunity to battle for a reserve role during training camp in the fall. The timeline for a return is likely to keep him on the shelf until after the All-Star break. Miller's extended stay on the sidelines gives Kobe Sanders a chance to crack the Clippers' rotation.

Injury/Illness - Right Heel Surgery (2026-11-13, OKC@LAC). Prior reporting (2026-11-12): Ingram (Achilles) won't play in Friday's game against the Thunder, per Law Murray of The Athletic. Ingram is ramping up his activity as he nears his season debut for the Clippers, but he's not yet cleared for game action amid his Achilles rehab. Until the star forward is ready to suit up, Kris Dunn, Rui Hachimura and Derrick Jones should all hang onto starting roles.

Injury/Illness - Right Knee Injury Management (2026-11-13, OKC@LAC). Prior reporting (2026-10-15): Beal (knee) will not be ready for the start of the regular season, NBA writer Justin Russo reports. Beal is dealing with knee inflammation that will keep him sidelined for Opening Night. While it's unclear how long the Clippers will be without the veteran guard, Darius Garland, Keaton Wagler and Kris Dunn should dominate the backcourt minutes in his absence. Beal's 2025-26 campaign was cut short by a hip injury after he averaged 8.2 points and 1.7 assists in 20.6 minutes across just six regular-season appearances.

Injury/Illness - Right Lisfranc Surgery (2026-11-13, OKC@LAC). Prior reporting (2026-11-10): Niederhauser (foot) is out for Tuesday's game against Phoenix, Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.com reports. Niederhauser has yet to make an appearance this season for the Clippers while rehabbing from foot surgery. It's unclear at this time when he'll be available to take the court, and he can be considered week-to-week until further notice.

G League - Two-Way (2026-11-13, OKC@LAC).