After a grueling stretch of absences that has tested the Golden State Warriors’ depth to its limits, there is finally a glimmer of hope on the injury front. Veteran big man Al Horford will remain sidelined for Thursday night’s matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers at Chase Center — marking his 14th consecutive game missed due to a lingering right calf (soleus) strain. However, head coach Steve Kerr delivered a significant positive update, signaling that the long nightmare may soon come to an end.
Horford, in his first season with the Warriors after joining as a free agent, has been a steady and versatile rotation piece for Kerr. The five-time All-Star is averaging 8.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 1.7 three-pointers per game in 21.7 minutes. His experience, floor spacing, and defensive presence have been valuable assets for a Golden State team that has been repeatedly decimated by injuries throughout the 2025-26 campaign.
On Thursday, Kerr revealed encouraging news: Horford participated in a five-on-five scrimmage, marking a major step forward in his recovery. The four-time NBA champion coach expressed optimism that the 39-year-old could be ready to return as soon as the team’s next game — Friday night’s matchup against the Sacramento Kings in the second half of a back-to-back.
The timing could not be more critical. The Warriors are already locked into the No. 10 seed in the Western Conference and are heading to the play-in tournament. While Thursday’s contest against the Lakers carries no direct standings implications, it represents a prime opportunity to build momentum against a familiar rival. Golden State will host a shorthanded Lakers squad, with LeBron James returning but star additions Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves still sidelined, along with Marcus Smart and Jaxson Hayes.
For the Warriors, getting Horford back would provide a much-needed boost to the frontcourt and overall rotation stability heading into the high-stakes play-in push. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting while offering rim protection and veteran leadership has been missed during this extended absence.
Kerr’s update comes amid a season where injury management has been a constant theme for Golden State. Despite the challenges, the team has shown resilience, and the prospect of Horford rejoining the lineup — potentially alongside other recovering pieces — offers a timely lift as the regular season winds down.
Thursday night may still be too soon for the veteran center, but after 13 games on the sidelines, the light at the end of the tunnel is clearly visible. Warriors fans and the coaching staff alike will be watching closely to see if Horford can suit up against the Kings and help stabilize the rotation when it matters most.