The Golden State Warriors head to New Orleans to take on the Pelicans on Tuesday night (February 24, 2026), but they arrive with a severely depleted roster that will test their depth like never before.
Warriors Battle Injuries on Tough Road Trip
Sitting at 30-27 and holding the No. 8 spot in the Western Conference, the Warriors are no strangers to adversity this season. Stephen Curry remains sidelined with right patellofemoral pain syndrome (knee), while new addition Kristaps Porzingis is out due to illness and didn’t even travel with the team. Jimmy Butler is out for the season with a torn ACL, and Seth Curry is sidelined with sciatic nerve irritation.
Adding to the concern: Draymond Green (questionable, lower back soreness after missing Sunday’s game), Al Horford (questionable, left toe injury management), and De’Anthony Melton (questionable, left knee injury management). This comes right after a gritty 128-117 win over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday—without Curry, Porzingis, or Green.
The Pelicans (16-42, 14th in the West) are struggling, but facing them on the road in a back-to-back (followed by Memphis on Wednesday) makes this no easy matchup. Golden State must dig deep to avoid dropping crucial games in the playoff race.
Breaking Down the Injury Situations and Strategy
Green’s back issue has been a recurring theme, and the Warriors are playing it safe with the veteran defender given his age and the long season ahead. His status remains uncertain.
Horford and Melton are on load management. Neither has played both ends of a back-to-back this year. Horford exploded for 22 points (6-of-7 from three), 7 assists, and made NBA history as the oldest player to record 20+ points and 6+ threes in a game against Denver. His veteran presence is vital. Melton brings bench defensive intensity (averaging ~9.4 PPG, 3.2 RPG), crucial when Curry and Green are out.
Coach Steve Kerr faces tough decisions: rest Horford/Melton tonight and play them Wednesday, or stagger them? The back-to-back adds complexity—Golden State can’t afford to lose both.
Despite the injuries—Curry missing 18 games, Porzingis ramping up post-debut—the supporting cast has stepped up. Moses Moody has been stellar lately (23 points vs. Nuggets), and veterans like Horford provide stability. The Warriors have stayed afloat through sheer resilience and depth.
But there’s a limit. Missing five rotation pieces against anyone is risky—even a struggling Pelicans team at home. Kerr will prioritize the winnable game to secure at least a split and protect playoff seeding.
Resilience Will Define This Stretch
The Warriors have proven they can win short-handed, as shown Sunday. Tonight in New Orleans demands another collective effort. With Moody, Horford (if active), Melton, and the rest stepping up, Golden State has the tools to grind out victories. This is another test of their championship DNA—Strength in Numbers isn’t just a slogan; it’s their reality.
The Dubs may be battered, but they’re far from broken. Fans, buckle up—this stretch will show what this team is truly made of!