The Golden State Warriors are battling through one of the toughest stretches of their 2025-26 season. With a thinned-out roster, tight playoff positioning, and the play-in tournament looming, the team is facing significant challenges.
Amid the adversity, young guard Brandin Podziemski is stepping up — not just on the court, but as a supportive teammate off it.
When Moses Moody took to Instagram on Sunday to share his first public message since suffering a season-ending torn patellar tendon, Podziemski was quick to respond. He left a heartfelt heart emoji on Moody’s post, which has since garnered over 1,110 likes.
Moody’s Positive Outlook
Moses Moody #4 of the Golden State Warriors (Getty Images)
Just days after undergoing successful surgery in Los Angeles for the injury he suffered against the Dallas Mavericks, Moody delivered an inspiring message that reflects his resilience.
“I appreciate all of the love,” Moody wrote. “Every challenge I’ve been through in life I’m glad I went through. I’m sure I’ll feel the same about this.”
Moody’s season ends prematurely after 60 games, during which he posted career-high averages of 12.1 points per game and a sharp 40.1% shooting from three-point range. His absence creates a major void in perimeter shooting for a Warriors team that has desperately needed reliable outside threats.
Podziemski Answers the Call
Brandin Podziemski has taken on a heavier workload in Moody’s absence. Over the last three games, the second-year guard has averaged 33.3 minutes, 22.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. His production and minutes have both surged as the Warriors lean on him to help fill the gap.
The Big Question: Stephen Curry’s Return
Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors (Getty Images)
Looming over everything is the uncertain status of superstar Stephen Curry, who has missed 25 straight games since January 30 with patellofemoral pain syndrome and bone bruising in his right knee.
This week brought a glimmer of hope. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr revealed that vice president of player health and performance Rick Celebrini texted him about Curry having a “good session” in rehab. An official update on his status is expected soon.
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However, Kerr has been clear: the Warriors will not throw Curry into the play-in tournament without proper preparation. He needs real-game reps to regain rhythm, and with only seven regular-season games remaining, the timeline is extremely tight.
“We are running out of games,” Kerr admitted.
Where the Warriors Stand
Golden State has slipped to a 36-39 record and now trails the eighth-seeded Los Angeles Clippers by three games with seven left to play. The Clippers are riding a five-game win streak, making a ninth- or tenth-place finish increasingly likely.
That scenario would likely set up a tough play-in matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers. The winner of that game would then face the loser of the Clippers-Suns contest for the final playoff berth — a difficult path forward.
Last season, the Warriors successfully navigated the play-in as the seventh seed and upset the second-seeded Houston Rockets in the first round. Repeating that magic this year would require near-perfect execution, starting with a healthy and ready Stephen Curry.
Final Word
Brandin Podziemski is rising to the occasion. Moses Moody is facing his setback with remarkable positivity. And in the background, Stephen Curry continues his determined rehab work.
The play-in tournament is coming fast. Whether the Warriors can arrive healthy enough to make a serious run remains the biggest question — with just seven games left to find the answers.