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

The NBA season of 2026-27 is underway, and the Golden State Warriors enter with a mix of hope and questions. After finishing the previous year with a 37-45 record, placing 10th in the Western Conference and falling to the Suns in the play-in tournament, the Warriors are looking to bounce back.

Offseason Moves and Roster Updates

• Draft Picks: Yaxel Lendeborg (11th overall), Lajae Jones (54th overall)
• New Signings and Extensions:
• Kristaps Porziņģis – 2 years, $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, $3.9 million

• Pat Spencer (signed with Suns)
• Trayce Jackson-Davis (traded to Raptors)
• Quinten Post (signed with Grizzlies)

Preseason Power Ranking

Golden State stands at No. 22 in the preseason power rankings, reflecting some uncertainty about their potential this season.

Exciting Developments

Yaxel Lendeborg impressed during the NBA Summer League, showing he fits well within the Warriors' style. As a versatile big forward capable of scoring from various spots, playmaking, and off-ball movement, his MVP performance in Las Vegas was a promising sign. Fans are eager to see how his skills complement Stephen Curry.

Concerns Facing the Team

Questions loom over how much longer the Warriors can rely on Curry at age 38 to carry the team. Other veterans like Draymond Green (36) and Al Horford (40) also bring durability worries. Porziņģis' health remains uncertain, and key players such as Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody might miss most or all of the season. Even if they return, there's no certainty they'll regain their prior form. This raises doubts about the team's ability to capitalize on Curry’s remaining prime years.

Preseason Observations

Lendeborg’s impact is noticeable whenever he plays. His drives add a fresh dynamic, and his confidence in shooting from deep, whether off the catch or dribble, intrigues observers. His hustle on defense, especially diving for loose balls to create three-point opportunities, shows commitment. If he improves defensively, it could greatly benefit Golden State. The team still depends heavily on Curry and the energy of Green but must evolve to find regular-season success and aim for a playoff run.

Fantasy Basketball Outlook

Brandin Podziemski has seen an increased usage rate of 28% in preseason games, signaling a breakout could be near. The Warriors haven't strengthened their backcourt beyond Brandon Williams, who has an opportunity to prove himself. Horford is expected to come off the bench, while Gui Santos and Lendeborg present fantasy appeal in larger leagues.

2026-27 Schedule Highlights

• Opening Week:
• October 21 – at Lakers
• October 23 – vs. Grizzlies
• October 24 – at Suns

Betting Lines and Projections

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

Best-Case Scenario

If Curry remains healthy, he continues to perform at an All-NBA level. Green can defend effectively even if not at his peak Defensive Player of the Year form. With solid contributions from younger players and versatile role players, the Warriors could gather enough victories to qualify for the play-in tournament. Should Butler and Porziņģis return by then, the team might be far more competitive than a 7-10 seed usually suggests.

Worst-Case Scenario

The aging core, combined with injuries or diminished performance from veterans, might result in missing the play-in tournament. This would leave the Warriors outside postseason contention once again.