Nov, 26 2025
On Wednesday, November 26, 2025, the Golden State Warriors will welcome the Houston Rockets to the Chase Center in San Francisco — a game that could pivot on the return of veteran forward Draymond Green, upgraded to probable after missing Monday’s 17-point win over the Utah Jazz. Green’s presence isn’t just about leadership; it’s about structure. The 35-year-old, who’s played his entire 12-year NBA career with the Warriors since being drafted 35th overall in 2012, anchors their defense and orchestrates their offense. His foot injury, while not severe, exposed just how thin their rotation has become. Without him, the Warriors leaned harder on Jimmy Butler, who delivered a masterclass in efficiency: 18 points on 8-of-11 shooting, six rebounds, seven assists, and a +19 rating in just 28 minutes. That’s not luck. That’s veteran poise under pressure.
Green’s Return, Kuminga’s Patience
Draymond Green’s probable status comes after a week of rest and rehab — a rare luxury for a player known for playing through pain. He’s carrying a $27,678,571 player option for 2026-2027, the final year of his contract. This isn’t just about basketball; it’s about legacy. If he plays the season out, he’ll be entering his 13th year with one franchise — a rarity in today’s NBA. The Warriors, valued at $7 billion, need him healthy not just for this stretch, but for the long-term stability of their core. Meanwhile, 22-year-old forward Jonathan Kuminga will miss his seventh straight game with knee tendinitis. He’s not sitting idle. On Tuesday, he was spotted in 3-on-3 scrimmages during practice, a sign he’s testing his body before returning to game action. "Soon," he told ESPN’s Anthony Slater, who’s covered the team since 2017. Kuminga, averaging 13.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists before going down, is the Warriors’ most dynamic athletic wing. His absence has left a void in transition offense and rim pressure — something the Jazz exploited in Monday’s game when they let him guard smaller players. Now, he’s being cautious. The team won’t rush him. Not with the playoffs looming.Depth Issues and Cap Flexibility
The Warriors’ injury list is growing. Center Al Horford, 38, is out with a nerve issue — a lingering problem that’s sapped his mobility. He’s been a quiet stabilizer, but his minutes are now in question. With Green, Kuminga, and Horford all sidelined, the Warriors have had to lean on role players like Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody. It’s working — for now. But depth is a luxury they can’t afford to ignore. Here’s the twist: they still have salary cap flexibility. Despite operating under the NBA’s hard cap, the Warriors are below the threshold, giving them room to sign a 15th man. That’s unusual for a team with their payroll. They’ve chosen to delay signing, not because they can’t afford it, but because they’re waiting — possibly for a trade, or to see if injuries heal faster than expected. Every day they wait, their cap space grows slightly. That’s smart. That’s the kind of chess move a championship-caliber front office makes.
What’s Next? The Road to the Playoffs
The Warriors’ next game after Wednesday is expected on Friday, November 28, 2025 — opponent unknown. But the schedule doesn’t get easier. After the Rockets, they face the Lakers, Suns, and Clippers — all Western Conference contenders. The team’s 2022 title run was built on depth, health, and timing. This season? They’re gambling on timing. Green’s return gives them hope. Kuminga’s gradual rehab gives them future promise. But the window is closing. The 2025-2026 season is less about rebuilding and more about holding on.
Historical Context: A Franchise in Transition
The Golden State Warriors were founded in 1946 as the Philadelphia Warriors, moved to San Francisco in 1962, and became the Golden State Warriors in 1971. They’ve won seven NBA titles — the last in 2022 — and have spent the last two seasons balancing between championship contention and roster turnover. They nearly traded for Lauri Markkanen before the 2024-2025 season, but pivoted to Jimmy Butler instead. That move, now looking brilliant, gave them a proven closer. Markkanen, meanwhile, struggled against them on Monday, scoring just 17 points on 31.6% shooting — a reminder that sometimes, the right fit matters more than raw talent. The Chase Center, opened in 2019, seats 18,064 and has become a fortress. But even fortresses need their defenders. Green’s return isn’t just a roster update — it’s a signal. The Warriors aren’t done. Not yet.Frequently Asked Questions
How does Draymond Green’s return impact the Warriors’ defense?
Green’s presence transforms the Warriors’ defensive identity. He’s the primary communicator, switches effortlessly across five positions, and forces opponents into tough shots. Without him, their defensive rating dropped 7.3 points per 100 possessions in the last three games. His return should immediately improve rim protection and ball movement disruption.
Why is Jonathan Kuminga’s return being delayed despite scrimmaging?
Kuminga’s knee tendinitis is a recurring issue that flares with explosive movement. While 3-on-3 scrimmages show progress, NBA games demand sustained intensity. The Warriors are prioritizing long-term health over short-term gain — especially with Kuminga’s potential as a future starter. Rushing him risks a setback that could cost him months.
What does the Warriors’ salary cap flexibility mean for their future?
With cap space below the hard cap, the Warriors can absorb a mid-level exception or a minimum-salary player without triggering penalties. This flexibility could allow them to add a defensive specialist or a veteran backup before the trade deadline — or even hold onto assets for a bigger move in 2026, when Green’s contract ends.
Is Jimmy Butler’s performance a sign the Warriors are still title contenders?
Absolutely. Butler’s 72.7% shooting and +19 rating in Monday’s game show he’s still elite in high-leverage moments. At 35, he’s playing like a player who knows his window is narrow. His chemistry with Stephen Curry and Green makes the Warriors dangerous in close games — especially if Green returns healthy and Kuminga re-emerges.
How does Al Horford’s absence affect the Warriors’ frontcourt?
Horford’s absence leaves a gap in spacing and veteran IQ. He’s the team’s best pick-and-pop big, and his ability to read defenses helps younger players like Kevon Looney. Without him, the Warriors are forced to play smaller lineups, which increases wear on their guards and makes them vulnerable to physical teams like the Rockets.
What’s the significance of the Warriors’ $7 billion valuation amid these injuries?
The valuation reflects brand power, not current performance. Even with injuries, the Warriors remain one of the NBA’s most valuable franchises due to their global fanbase, merchandising, and media deals. But this season is a test: can they maintain relevance without full health? Their front office knows the answer could shape their next decade of roster building.