The Golden State Warriors are heading into the 2025-2026 NBA season with a sense of cautious optimism, as preseason action heats up and fans eagerly await a glimpse of the team’s revamped roster. The highly anticipated preseason matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday has been the talk of the basketball world, promising a showcase of star talent and new faces alike. Yet, as tipoff approaches, all eyes are on Jimmy Butler, the Warriors’ marquee offseason acquisition, after a minor ankle scare during practice threatened to dampen the excitement.
On Thursday, October 2, 2025, Butler tweaked his ankle during a team practice—a piece of news that sent a ripple of concern through the Warriors faithful. Head coach Steve Kerr was quick to address the situation, aiming to calm nerves ahead of the Lakers clash. “Kerr says Jimmy tweaked his ankle a little bit in Thursday’s practice, but the Warriors expect him to be fine. Kerr says the main rotation guys will probably play about 15 minutes each on Sunday vs. the Lakers—unless they decide to sit someone between now and then,” reported Nick Friedell of The Athletic. The statement was echoed across multiple outlets, with Kerr reiterating on Friday, October 3, that there was no cause for concern and the team was simply being cautious with their star forward.
Butler, currently listed as day-to-day, remains a focal point of the Warriors’ preseason plans. While he was originally slated to see around 15 minutes of action against the Lakers, there’s a possibility he could be sidelined as a precaution. Danny Emerman of SFStandard.com noted, “It doesn’t sound like a significant issue for Butler, but it is something for fantasy managers to monitor ahead of Sunday’s contest.” Should Butler be limited or unavailable, Kerr has indicated that the team could turn to Gui Santos, Alex Toohey, and Jackson Rowe for increased minutes—an opportunity for the younger players to make their mark in a high-profile setting.
The preseason opener against the Lakers is more than just a warm-up; it’s a litmus test for both teams as they gear up for what promises to be a fiercely competitive Western Conference campaign. The absence of Lakers star Luka Doncic, who will sit out Sunday’s game, shifts even more attention to the Warriors’ lineup. Fans are especially eager to see Jonathan Kuminga back in action after his contract situation was resolved, ensuring his return to the fold for the new season. Kuminga’s athleticism and upside have made him one of the most intriguing young players on the roster, and the preseason offers a chance for him to build momentum alongside the team’s established stars.
Adding further intrigue to the Warriors’ preseason are the team’s newest additions, each bringing a unique skill set and veteran presence to the mix. The first of these is De’Anthony Melton, who arrives in the Bay Area on a one-year veteran minimum deal worth around $3 million. Melton’s 2024 campaign was marred by injuries, but the Warriors are banking on his defensive versatility and ability to contribute as a two-way guard. Then there’s Al Horford, fresh off an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics in 2024, who signed a two-year, $12 million contract with a second-year option. Horford’s experience and leadership are expected to shore up the Warriors’ frontcourt, providing a stabilizing force both on and off the court.
Perhaps the most headline-grabbing addition is Seth Curry, who joins his brother Stephen Curry in Golden State after signing as a free agent. Known for his sharpshooting, Seth is anticipated to provide valuable perimeter scoring off the bench, offering the Warriors a dynamic backcourt rotation alongside Buddy Hield, another three-point specialist. The Curry brothers’ reunion has already sparked excitement among fans, with the potential for some memorable moments as they share the court once again.
But even as the Warriors look to integrate their new faces, the focus inevitably circles back to Butler and his quest to overcome a troubling injury history. Since the 2016-17 season, Butler hasn’t played more than 70 games in a year, missing at least 20 games in each of the last three seasons. Last year, he appeared in just 55 games between the Warriors and Miami Heat, with injuries often interrupting his rhythm and limiting his impact. His most recent setback before this week was a pelvis and gluteal muscle contusion suffered during the 2025 playoffs against the Houston Rockets—a series he managed to finish despite the pain.
This context makes the Warriors’ measured approach to Butler’s ankle issue all the more understandable. With aspirations of advancing past the second round of the playoffs for the first time in four seasons, Golden State knows they’ll need Butler at full strength when the games start to count. “The prospect of Butler getting hurt long before the season begins is a scary one for Warriors fans,” noted a recent report, highlighting the delicate balance between giving stars valuable preseason reps and ensuring they’re healthy for the grind ahead.
Meanwhile, Sunday’s preseason clash with the Lakers offers a tantalizing preview of what’s to come. Though the stars are expected to play limited minutes, the atmosphere will no doubt be electric as fans get their first look at the new-look Warriors. The coaching staff will be watching closely, not just to monitor Butler’s health, but also to evaluate how the team’s offseason acquisitions and young prospects fit into the rotation. For players like Gui Santos, Alex Toohey, and Jackson Rowe, the opportunity to impress could set the tone for their roles as the season unfolds.
Amid all the anticipation, the Warriors’ preseason story is one of both hope and caution. The team’s front office has made bold moves to bolster the roster, and the blend of experienced veterans and rising stars has generated plenty of buzz. Yet, as the Butler situation reminds everyone, the path to contention is fraught with uncertainty—especially when it comes to health. For now, the Warriors and their fans will be holding their breath, eager for a glimpse of their full-strength squad while keeping a watchful eye on the injury report.
With the NBA season just around the corner, Golden State’s preseason journey is far from over. Sunday’s game against the Lakers will offer answers to some questions and surely raise new ones. As the action unfolds, the Warriors’ faithful can only hope that their stars, especially Jimmy Butler, emerge unscathed and ready for the battles that lie ahead.
