Warriors' Kristaps Porzingis Exits Game with Back Injury

The star center left the game against the Pistons in the second quarter.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 12:51am by Ben Kaplan

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Golden State Warriors center Kristaps Porzingis was accompanied by a trainer as he walked gingerly into the tunnel midway through the second quarter of Friday's game against the Pistons, after sustaining a back injury.

Why it matters

Porzingis is a key player for the Warriors, and any injury to him could have significant implications for the team's playoff hopes. The Warriors are already dealing with injuries to other starters, so Porzingis' status will be closely monitored.

The details

Porzingis appeared to be in discomfort after a play and was quickly attended to by the Warriors' medical staff. He was then helped to the locker room, unable to put much weight on his back. The extent of the injury is not yet known, but back issues can often be tricky for NBA players.

  • Porzingis exited the game midway through the second quarter on Friday, March 21, 2026.

The players

Kristaps Porzingis

A 7'3" center for the Golden State Warriors, known for his versatile offensive game and shot-blocking ability.

Golden State Warriors

The professional basketball team based in San Francisco, California, and a perennial contender in the NBA.

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What’s next

The Warriors will provide an update on Porzingis' condition and status for future games in the coming days.

The takeaway

Porzingis' injury is a concern for the Warriors, who are already dealing with other health issues on their roster. The team's depth and ability to adapt will be tested as they navigate Porzingis' recovery and potential absence.