The Golden State Warriors are riding high after a statement victory over the Denver Nuggets on Thursday, cementing their status as serious contenders in the 2026 NBA title race. Now sitting at an impeccable 2-0 to start the season, the Warriors are gearing up for a challenging road test against the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night. But the headlines aren’t just about their hot start—Golden State has stunned the NBA world by announcing a dramatic shake-up to their starting lineup for this back-to-back clash, with second-year big man Quinten Post stepping into the spotlight.
A Strategic Shift to Manage Star Power
With veteran Al Horford sidelined for load management after the intense battle against Denver, the Warriors are making a bold move to preserve the legs of their stars, particularly Draymond Green, in the second half of this back-to-back. In a surprising twist, the team has decided to bench rising guard Brandin Podziemski, inserting Quinten Post, a stretch big man, into the starting lineup to fill Horford’s role. This adjustment gives Golden State added size to contend with Portland’s towering frontcourt duo of Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen.
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The decision to start Post is a clear signal that the Warriors are prioritizing versatility and depth early in the season. With a veteran-heavy roster, managing minutes for key players like Green and Jimmy Butler is critical to sustaining their championship aspirations. Post’s ability to stretch the floor as a 40.8% three-point shooter (as demonstrated in his rookie season) makes him an ideal fit to keep the offense humming while providing defensive presence in the paint.
Quinten Post: From College Standout to NBA Starter
Quinten Post’s journey to his first start of the 2025-26 season is a testament to his perseverance and skill. A solid bench contributor during his first three years at Boston College, Post exploded onto the scene in his final two collegiate seasons, earning All-ACC honors in his fifth year with an impressive 17.0 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. His ability to shoot from beyond the arc made him a coveted prospect, leading to his selection as the 52nd overall pick by the Warriors in the 2024 NBA Draft.
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As a rookie, Post appeared in 42 games, starting 14, and quickly proved his worth as a floor-spacing big man. His 40.8% three-point shooting opened up driving lanes for stars like Butler, creating a dynamic offensive system. Though he didn’t participate in the 2025 Summer League, Post showed flashes of brilliance in the preseason, dropping 16 or more points in two games. Now, with Horford resting, Post has a golden opportunity to showcase his growth against a Portland team reeling from off-court turmoil.
Portland’s Struggles Add Intrigue
The Trail Blazers are in disarray, grappling with the absence of head coach Chauncey Billups, who was recently arrested for his alleged involvement in an illegal poker ring. Facing a Warriors squad brimming with confidence, Portland will lean heavily on their young frontcourt of Clingan and Hansen to counter Golden State’s size and physicality. However, the Warriors’ reshuffled lineup, with Post and Green anchoring the interior, could exploit Portland’s lack of cohesion and steal a crucial road win.
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What to Expect in the Clash
Tip-off is set for 10:00 p.m. EST in Portland, and all eyes will be on Post as he makes his first start of the season. Can the second-year big man deliver in a high-stakes matchup? Will the Warriors’ lineup change prove to be a masterstroke in their quest to go 3-0, making them the NBA’s only undefeated team? One thing is certain: Golden State’s bold decision has sent shockwaves through the league, and Friday’s game is shaping up to be a must-watch showdown.
Stay tuned as the Warriors look to keep their perfect record intact and solidify their place among the NBA’s elite. This is one lineup change you won’t believe until you see it in action!