Steve Kerr Optimistic About Warriors' Lineup for Key Game Against Kings

Reign AmuraoFri, April 10, 2026 at 5:45 AM UTC

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The undermanned Golden State Warriors could not slow LeBron James down on Thursday, as they suffered a 119-103 loss against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Warriors did not have a healthy group against their division rival and were without their best players.

Ahead of the contest, the Warriors ruled outStephen Curry due to injury management. He has only played two games since returning from a knee injury and the team has put him under a minutes restriction. Given that Golden State played the first game of a back-to-back, the coaching staff opted to sit Curry out.

Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis were also out of the lineup. Horford is dealing with a right soleus strain and has been out since March 15. Porzingis, meanwhile, had knee soreness and illness before the game.

Steve Kerr Addresses the Warriors' Rotation Against the Kings

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve KerrKirby Lee-Imagn Images

During the Warriors-Lakers game, the team had another setback as LJ Cryer went down with a sprained ankle. Despite the injuries, head coach Steve Kerr remains "hopeful" to have a healthy squad on Friday against the Sacramento Kings.

“We’re in a position where we have a chance to get into the playoffs. We got some guys who are getting healthy. We have a chance to hopefully put together a game tomorrow… Tomorrow and Sunday, maybe we get a couple games to develop a little rhythm and get a swing at it. We got some hope,” Kerr said.

The Warriors remain at the No. 10 spot in the Western Conference and will need to win two more games in the Play-In Tournament to secure a playoff spot. Injuries have been a significant factor in the team's 2025-26 campaign. However, they are not losing hope and believe they have what it takes to be in the postseason.

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Before the Lakers game, Kerr told reporters that Curry would be available against the Kings. He's also hoping to have Horford and Porzingis in the lineup in Sacramento.

On the bright side, one player has been healthy for the entire season for the Warriors: Brandin Podziemski. Against the Lakers, Podziemski has played his 80th consecutive game of the season. Amid the injuries to Curry, Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody, the third-year guard has been a major help.

He only needs to play two more games to complete the 82-game season. In front of reporters, Podziemski opened up about what it means for him to be available for the team.

“It means a lot… Just try to be available every game for the team,” Podziemski said.

Podziemski has the chance to participate in every game this season for the first time.

Related: Warriors Announces Kristaps Porzingis Status Before Kings Game

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 10, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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Source: “AOL Sports”