Warriors Try to Stay Afloat Amid Injuries, Visit Thunder

Golden State looks to keep pace in West without several key players against league-leading Oklahoma City.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Golden State Warriors, currently in eighth place in the Western Conference, are trying to stay competitive despite a rash of injuries that have sidelined several key players, including Stephen Curry. They'll face a tough test on the road against the league-leading Oklahoma City Thunder, who have won seven of their last eight games since the All-Star break.

Why it matters

The Warriors' ability to remain in playoff position without their full roster will be crucial as they try to make a late-season push. Meanwhile, the Thunder are looking to solidify their hold on the top spot in the West and prove they can withstand injuries to key players of their own.

The details

The Warriors have gone 5-7 without Curry, who has been out since January 30 with a knee injury. They'll also be missing several other players, including Kristaps Porzingis, Moses Moody, Gary Payton II, and Will Richard, though Porzingis may return for Saturday's game. The Thunder, meanwhile, will be without Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso, who both left their last game with injuries.

  • The Warriors have gone 5-7 during this stretch without Curry, who hasn't played since Jan. 30.
  • Saturday's game marks the beginning of a four-game homestand for the Thunder.

The players

Draymond Green

A key player for the Warriors who has emphasized the need for the team to 'stay afloat' during Curry's absence.

Chet Holmgren

The Thunder rookie who has shot 75.9% in three games against the Warriors this season, averaging 19.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Thunder's star player who has scored 20 or more points in 124 consecutive games, two shy of Wilt Chamberlain's NBA record.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“For us, just got to stay afloat. Nobody's expecting us to go on a 10-game win streak, but you just got to stay afloat. You can't let things go too far south and that's what we're trying to do.”

— Draymond Green (statenews.net)

“I think there's something to guys that expect to win the game that they play. That's what I'd say about Green and (Al) Horford. ... When those guys line up and lace them up, they expect to win and are disappointed when they don't. That's a contagious thing.”

— Mark Daigneault, Thunder Coach (statenews.net)

What’s next

The Thunder will continue their four-game homestand by hosting the Denver Nuggets, Boston Celtics, and Minnesota Timberwolves after facing the Warriors.

The takeaway

The Warriors' ability to remain competitive in the Western Conference playoff race despite their injury woes will be put to the test against the league-leading Thunder. Meanwhile, Oklahoma City has shown the depth to withstand injuries to key players and maintain their position atop the standings.