Warriors Starters Curry, Porzingis to Return vs Kings

Al Horford also cleared to play in penultimate regular season game

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:49am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the action of a basketball game, with the players' bodies and movements broken down into overlapping geometric shapes and planes of vibrant, contrasting colors.The Warriors' veteran stars reunite on the court, bringing their championship experience and skill to a crucial late-season matchup.Today in Sacramento

The Golden State Warriors will have their full complement of veteran starters - Steph Curry, Kristaps Porzingis, and Al Horford - available for their matchup against the Sacramento Kings on Friday. Curry and Porzingis had both missed recent games due to injuries, but are now healthy enough to return to the starting lineup as the Warriors prepare for next week's play-in tournament.

Why it matters

With the Warriors locked into the No. 10 seed, this game against the Kings serves as an important 'dress rehearsal' for the team ahead of the high-stakes play-in tournament. Getting Curry, Porzingis, and Horford healthy and on the court together is crucial for the Warriors to build chemistry and momentum heading into the postseason.

The details

Steph Curry missed the Warriors' previous two games to rest a runner's knee injury, but will start and play 25-30 minutes against the Kings. Kristaps Porzingis, who missed the last two games with knee soreness and an illness, will also return to the starting lineup. Additionally, veteran center Al Horford is available after missing the last 14 games with a calf injury. The Warriors will use this game to get their top players healthy and in sync before the play-in tournament.

  • Curry returned from a 27-game absence due to a runner's knee injury on Easter Sunday.
  • Porzingis missed the Warriors' last two games with knee soreness and an unidentified illness.
  • Horford has been out for the past 14 games with a calf injury, but has progressed through individual work, 3-on-3 drills, and a full team scrimmage over the past week.

The players

Steph Curry

A 4-time NBA champion and 2-time MVP, Curry is the Warriors' franchise player and one of the greatest shooters in NBA history.

Kristaps Porzingis

A 7'3" big man acquired by the Warriors in a midseason trade, Porzingis provides valuable size and scoring punch alongside Curry.

Al Horford

A veteran center and 5-time NBA All-Star, Horford has provided valuable leadership and interior defense for the Warriors this season.

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What they’re saying

“It's important for them to feel it. I don't think it'll be a huge adjustment for either guy, just because they're both really smart players, very skilled players.”

— Steve Kerr, Warriors Head Coach

What’s next

If the Clippers beat the Blazers in Portland, the Warriors will travel to Portland to face the Blazers in Wednesday night's play-in game. If Portland wins that game, then the Blazers can clinch the No. 8 seed with a win Sunday or a Clippers loss to the Warriors in the season finale.

The takeaway

With their top players healthy and ready to go, the Warriors have a valuable opportunity to build chemistry and momentum ahead of the high-stakes play-in tournament. Getting Curry, Porzingis, and Horford on the court together will be crucial for the team's postseason aspirations.