In a season filled with ups and downs, the Golden State Warriors received a much-needed boost following their 126-113 defeat to the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday—their final outing before the NBA All-Star break. Head coach Steve Kerr delivered an encouraging update on newly acquired center Kristaps Porzingis, signaling that the Latvian star could make his Warriors debut sooner than expected.
Porzingis, who joined the Warriors via trade from the Atlanta Hawks, has been sidelined with lingering Achilles tendinitis, an issue that has plagued him throughout the early part of 2026. Despite the setback, Kerr’s post-game comments painted an optimistic picture. “Kristaps played today [in practice] and was moving better than yesterday,” Kerr told reporters, as reported by ESPN’s Anthony Slater. “He seemed to be in a good rhythm [playing 5-on-5 in the halfcourt]. He looks good, so we’ll just see how it plays out.”
The update comes at a critical juncture for the Warriors, who enter the break with a 29-26 record, clinging to a playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference. Kerr also reflected on the team’s performance heading into the hiatus, emphasizing the positive strides Porzingis has made in recent sessions.
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Porzingis’s availability has been limited this year, appearing in just three games since the calendar flipped to 2026. He first missed 13 consecutive games from January 9 to January 31 due to Achilles tendinitis. Even after a brief return, he sat out his last game with the Hawks against the Miami Heat because of an undisclosed illness. Upon arriving in Golden State, the same Achilles problem resurfaced, keeping him out of action.
Warriors beat writers have consistently noted the team’s cautious approach with their new big man. On ESPN’s “NBA Today,” Slater explained that the franchise is prioritizing Porzingis’s long-term health over rushing him back, especially with lower-stakes games on the schedule. “The Warriors are being cautious [with both Porzingis and Curry],” Slater said, referring to Stephen Curry, who is also nursing an injury but expected to return soon.
This measured strategy aligns with the Warriors’ philosophy under Kerr, a nine-time NBA champion as a player and coach, who has emphasized player health amid a grueling season.
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All eyes are now on February 19, when the Warriors host the Boston Celtics in their first game post-All-Star break. Both Porzingis and Curry are targeting this matchup for their returns, potentially marking Porzingis’s debut in a Warriors uniform—against his former team, no less.
“They’re targeting that first game coming out of the break, February 19th, against the Celtics,” Slater confirmed. “Steve Kerr has said he’s optimistic Steph will play that night and Kristaps Porzingis could potentially debut that night. Porzingis is going to stay in the Bay and work his way towards that game.”
Porzingis himself has expressed confidence in his recovery. After participating in his first full practice with the Warriors on Sunday, he shared his outlook with EuroHoops: “It was a good workout. I’m building back up slowly because once I start playing, I want to hit the ground running.”
The 7-foot-3 center, a former No. 4 overall pick, addressed concerns about his recurring injuries, which have followed him from stints with the Celtics and Hawks. “I am confident that I will [be a healthy member of the Warriors],” Porzingis stated. “I will do everything right, and I believe I will.”
He added, “From what I’ve seen and the conversations I’ve had so far with the medical staff and the people here, I have to say I’m very optimistic. I’m in really good hands, some of the best, and I think that adds to the confidence I already have. I look forward to a strong post-All-Star break.”
The acquisition of Porzingis addresses a longstanding need for the Warriors: a versatile stretch-5 who can space the floor offensively while providing rim protection on defense. His ability to shoot from beyond the arc and block shots could complement Curry and the team’s perimeter-heavy style, potentially elevating Golden State back into contention.
However, his injury history remains a point of concern among analysts. Porzingis has struggled with durability in recent seasons, and some worry that his absences could disrupt the team’s rhythm. Despite this, the Warriors’ medical staff—renowned for their expertise—gives Porzingis reason for optimism.
As the All-Star break provides a brief respite, Warriors fans can hold onto this positive development. If Porzingis returns as planned, the Bay Area could witness a revitalized squad ready to make a second-half push. For now, the focus shifts to recovery and preparation, with February 19 circled on the calendar as a potential turning point in the season.