The Golden State Warriors tipped off their 2025 preseason with a thrilling victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, setting the stage for an electrifying campaign. Now, as they gear up for their next exhibition showdown against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night, the Warriors are shaking things up with a bold new starting lineup. However, a significant setback has emerged, threatening to disrupt their plans: Seth Curry, the highly anticipated new addition, remains sidelined.
Head coach Steve Kerr is rolling out an experimental starting five against Portland, featuring recently-signed veteran Al Horford alongside franchise cornerstones Steph Curry, Moses Moody, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green. Horford, who made an impressive Warriors debut against the Lakers, is set to anchor the lineup in his first start for the team. This revamped unit signals Kerr’s intent to test new combinations and build chemistry early in the preseason.
The Warriors’ offseason was marked by the addition of four new faces: Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton, Seth Curry, and rookie Will Richard. While Horford and Richard hit the ground running in the Lakers matchup, Melton continues to recover from a torn ACL sustained last season. Unfortunately, fans hoping to see the Curry brothers unite on the court will have to wait a bit longer, as Seth Curry’s debut remains on hold.
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In a pregame press conference, Kerr delivered the disappointing news, confirming that Seth Curry will miss his second straight preseason game. “He’s still ramping up,” Kerr told reporters, according to Warriors insider Kenzo Fukuda. The 35-year-old sharpshooter, who joined Golden State to team up with his brother Steph for the first time in their careers, is still working his way back to full strength.
Seth Curry’s absence is a letdown for fans eager to witness the “Splash Brothers” 2.0. Last season with the Charlotte Hornets, Seth showcased his elite shooting prowess, averaging 6.5 points per game while draining an NBA-best 45.6% of his three-point attempts. His addition to the Warriors promises to bolster their already lethal perimeter attack, but his delayed debut is a temporary setback for a team looking to integrate its new pieces.
Adding another layer of complexity, Seth Curry’s roster status is in limbo due to his Exhibit 9 contract. This deal allows him to participate in training camp and preseason but requires the Warriors to waive him before the 2025-26 regular season begins. The team plans to re-sign Curry to a standard one-year deal on November 10, but this means he’ll miss the opening weeks of the regular season.
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Getting preseason reps is critical for Curry to build chemistry with his teammates, especially his brother Steph, before he officially joins the roster. Unfortunately, his absence against Portland delays that process, leaving fans and coaches alike anxious for his return.
Despite Curry’s absence, the Warriors remain focused on their preseason goals. Horford and rookie Will Richard, both of whom played against the Lakers, are expected to suit up against Portland, offering a glimpse of the team’s revamped depth. With stars like Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler leading the charge, Golden State is poised to make waves this season.
As the Warriors prepare to face the Trail Blazers, all eyes will be on Kerr’s new-look lineup and how the team adapts without Seth Curry. While the wait for the Curry brothers’ on-court reunion continues, the Warriors’ championship aspirations remain as strong as ever. Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting clash in Portland!