Warriors Rule Out Kristaps Porzingis for Kings Game

Injury limits time Porzingis and Curry can play together before Play-In Tournament

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:10am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a basketball game between the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings, with the players represented as angular, overlapping geometric forms in a cubist style.The Warriors' struggle to integrate their new star Kristaps Porzingis with Stephen Curry ahead of the playoffs is reflected in this fragmented, cubist depiction of their upcoming matchup with the Kings.Oklahoma City Today

The Golden State Warriors have ruled out Kristaps Porzingis for their upcoming game against the Sacramento Kings due to knee soreness. This limits the time Porzingis and Stephen Curry can play together before the start of the Play-In Tournament, where the Warriors are currently positioned to compete.

Why it matters

The Warriors are hoping Porzingis and Curry can develop on-court chemistry before the postseason, but Porzingis' injury issues have hindered their ability to get meaningful minutes together. With the Play-In Tournament looming, the Warriors need to find a way to get their new star duo up to speed quickly.

The details

Porzingis played 22 minutes in the Warriors' previous game against the Houston Rockets, recording 9 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists. However, he has now been ruled out of the Kings game due to knee soreness. ESPN's Anthony Slater reported that the Warriors are focused on getting Curry's minutes up to 30 per game and allowing him and Porzingis to get more reps together, but with Porzingis out, that opportunity will be limited to just one or two more games before the Play-In Tournament begins.

  • Porzingis played 22 minutes in the Warriors' loss to the Rockets on Sunday.
  • The Warriors face the Kings on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.
  • The Warriors have three games left after the Kings matchup, excluding that contest.

The players

Kristaps Porzingis

A 7-foot-2 Latvian star who was traded to the Warriors before the deadline and has been a key interior presence, averaging 16.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game since joining the team.

Stephen Curry

The Warriors' star guard who has missed 27 straight games due to a knee injury but returned against the Rockets. The Warriors are hoping he can develop chemistry with Porzingis before the postseason.

Steve Kerr

The Warriors' head coach who is aiming to get Curry's minutes up to 30 per game and integrate Porzingis into the team's system.

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What they’re saying

“They're just trying to gear Steph Curry up, get his minutes over 30 by next week, get him some court time with Kristaps Porzingis, who's only played eight minutes ever with.”

— Anthony Slater, ESPN Reporter

What’s next

The Warriors will face the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday, April 10, 2026, followed by a rematch against the Kings on Friday, April 11, 2026. They will then finish the regular season against the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday, April 13, 2026.

The takeaway

The Warriors' struggle to integrate their new star Kristaps Porzingis with Stephen Curry ahead of the playoffs is reflected in this fragmented, cubist depiction of their upcoming matchup with the Kings.