The Golden State Warriors are taking no chances before the new NBA season begins. The team confirmed that Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, Al Horford, and Moses Moody will all miss Sunday’s preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers, according to ESPN’s Anthony Slater.
Head coach Steve Kerr said Curry is “a little banged up” and will not play, but the expectation is that he will return Tuesday when the Warriors face the Portland Trail Blazers. Moody is dealing with a minor calf strain and will undergo an MRI, though the team believes it is nothing serious.
Golden State’s decision fits a clear pattern. With one of the oldest rosters in the NBA, the Warriors are focusing on staying healthy rather than chasing preseason victories. For a veteran like Curry, every bit of rest matters, especially after dealing with a hamstring issue during last year’s playoff run.
Health Takes Priority Over Preseason Hype
According to Golden State of Mind, Jimmy Butler’s absence is considered a personal, excused leave and not injury-related. Al Horford continues to rest after a demanding offseason. That opens the door for younger players such as Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski, who will have a chance to gain valuable experience against the Lakers.
The Warriors understand the risk of pushing too hard before the season officially starts. Curry’s hamstring injury in the Western Conference Semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves still serves as a reminder of how fragile momentum can be. Butler’s own postseason pelvis injury is another reason for caution.
For now, Golden State’s message is simple: it is better to rest in October than to run out of gas in April.
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