As the Golden State Warriors gear up for their season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday, coach Steve Kerr is keeping his cards close to his chest, leaving fans and analysts alike speculating about his starting lineup. With injuries and workload management already shaping the roster, Kerr’s final decision promises to be a game-changer that could set the tone for the Warriors’ 2025-26 campaign.
Kerr confirmed that forward Moses Moody will miss the opener due to a calf injury, while Jimmy Butler (ankle) and Jonathan Kuminga (ankle) are listed as questionable despite participating in recent scrimmages. These uncertainties have added intrigue to Kerr’s lineup choices, with the coach remaining coy about his plans.
“I feel pretty confident that Steph Curry will be in the starting lineup,” Kerr said with a grin, delivering a tongue-in-cheek nod to the obvious. “It’s not so much that he’s earned it — I don’t believe in rewarding guys just for being one of the greatest players of all time. It’s more about what his score on the computer was — to see if he passed the conditioning test.”
While Kerr’s humor underscores Curry’s guaranteed spot, there’s no doubt that the 37-year-old superstar and Draymond Green will lead the Warriors’ veteran core. Curry, who averaged 21.7 minutes per game in the preseason, ramped up to 27 and 30 minutes in his final two outings, signaling that Golden State’s offense is finding its groove. Green, a defensive anchor, is also a lock to start, with Kerr adding, “Draymond will be out there. If Jimmy plays, Jimmy will be out there. And with Moses out, Brandin Podziemski will be out there.”
The fifth starting spot, however, remains a mystery, with Kerr hinting at multiple possibilities. “The fifth spot could be Al [Horford]. I’m being way too generous, I guess,” he quipped.
The Warriors’ marquee offseason acquisition, 39-year-old center Al Horford, will have his minutes carefully monitored. Kerr revealed that Horford will skip back-to-back games, ruling him out for 13 games this season. “Al is most likely going to play 50 or 60 games — somewhere in there,” Kerr said. “He’s also probably playing 20 to 24 minutes max. You start a guy who’s playing 20 minutes — it’s hard to space those minutes over 48.”
Horford, who averaged 16.5 minutes in four preseason games, brings leadership and defensive IQ to the table. However, his limited minutes mean Kerr must strategize carefully, potentially leaning on the bench to fill gaps.
If Horford doesn’t start, Jonathan Kuminga could seize the moment. The 23-year-old forward, fresh off a two-year, $48.5 million extension, has yet to secure a guaranteed starting role. Kerr hinted at Kuminga’s potential, saying, “If it’s not Al, it could be JK. It could be any one of a number of players, honestly.” Kuminga’s preseason performance — 7.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists on 52.4% shooting — shows promise, though his three turnovers per game remain a concern.
Kerr emphasized the need for cleaner play, stating, “We have to do two things better right out of the gate — take care of the ball and defend without fouling. Those are my focus points.”
With the Lakers on the horizon, Kerr’s indecision about the fifth starter reflects a broader strategy of balancing veteran experience with youthful energy. The Warriors’ bench, including players like Podziemski, will play a critical role, especially if Butler or Kuminga are sidelined. “We have to lean into the bench a little bit Tuesday night,” Kerr noted, signaling a flexible rotation to counter the Lakers’ star power.
As the countdown to tip-off continues, all eyes are on Kerr’s final call. Will he opt for Horford’s veteran presence, Kuminga’s athleticism, or an unexpected wildcard? One thing is certain: with Curry leading the charge and Kerr’s tactical mind at work, the Warriors’ opening-night lineup could deliver a shockwave across the NBA.