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Golden State Warriors 2026-27 Season Preview: Schedule, Win Predictions, and Key Insights
Amir Azimi
Daily News

Golden State Warriors 2026-27 Season Preview: Schedule, Win Predictions, and Key Insights

Golden State Warriors 2026-27 Season Outlook

The new NBA season is underway, and the Golden State Warriors enter with plenty of questions surrounding their roster and potential. Coming off a 37-45 record last year, finishing 10th in the Western Conference, and falling in the play-in tournament to the Suns, this season holds challenges and opportunities.

Last Season Recap

  • Record: 37-45
  • Western Conference Rank: 10th
  • Playoffs: Lost to Suns in Play-In Tournament

Offseason Changes

  • Draft Picks: Yaxel Lendeborg (11th overall), Lajae Jones (54th overall)
  • Signings and Extensions:Kristaps Porziņģis: 2-year, $40 million extension
  • Al Horford: Re-signed for 2 years, $14 million
  • De Anthony Melton: Re-signed for 2 years, $11 million
  • Draymond Green: Re-signed for 1 year, $27.7 million
  • Gary Payton II: Re-signed for 1 year, $3.9 million
  • Georges Niang: 1-year deal, $3.9 million
  • Pat Spencer (signed with Suns)
  • Trayce Jackson-Davis (traded to Raptors)
  • Quinten Post (signed with Grizzlies)

Current Roster Highlights

The team welcomes promising rookie Yaxel Lendeborg, who impressed during Summer League. As a versatile big forward capable of scoring, playmaking, and cutting off-ball, his skill set fits well into Steve Kerr's offense. His MVP performance in Las Vegas brought optimism about how he might complement Stephen Curry.

Concerns and Challenges

Age and health remain significant concerns. Curry is 38, while veteran teammates like Draymond Green (36) and Al Horford (40) carry durability questions. Porziņģis’s health is uncertain, and key players such as Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody may miss significant time or struggle upon return. For a franchise aiming to maximize Curry’s remaining prime, it feels like progress is slow and uncertain.

Preseason Power Ranking

The Warriors are positioned at No. 22 in preseason power rankings, reflecting skepticism but also potential if younger players step up.

Player Development and Fantasy Watch

  • Yaxel Lendeborg: Shows ability to impact games with drives and three-point shooting, adding a fresh element to the offense. Defensive consistency could elevate the team further.
  • Brandin Podziemski: Usage rate near 28% in preseason suggests a breakout may be coming, especially since backcourt depth beyond Brandon Williams is thin.
  • Role Players: Al Horford may come off the bench, giving more opportunities to Gui Santos and Lendeborg, enhancing their appeal in fantasy leagues.

2026-27 Opening Week Schedule

  • October 21: @ Los Angeles Lakers
  • October 23: vs Memphis Grizzlies
  • October 24: @ Phoenix Suns

Betting Odds and Projections

  • Projected wins: 39.5
  • Odds to win division: +375
  • Odds to win NBA Finals: +6600

Season Scenarios

  • Best Case: The Warriors make the Play-In Tournament. If Curry stays healthy, he remains an All-NBA caliber player. Green continues to provide strong defense, and contributions from young players and role players push Golden State into postseason contention. Return of Butler and Porziņģis before the Play-In would make them tougher than their seed implies.
  • Worst Case: Injuries and aging catch up, causing them to fall outside postseason reach. The veterans’ decline combined with limited depth might leave the team struggling once again.

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