Warriors starting five could include surprising twist

· California Post

With Kristaps Porzingis out indefinitely, Warriors coach Steve Kerr revealed his potential starting lineup for opening night of the regular season.

Kerr said he’s “leaning toward” starting Steph Curry, Draymond Green, Brandin Podziemski, Yaxel Lendeborg and Gui Santos.  

Golden State Warriors forward Gui Santos (15) drives to the basket against Sacramento Kings guard Emanuel Sharp (34) in the first half of a preseason game at Chase Center in San Francisco on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026. The Warriors defeated the Kings 111-106. San Francisco Chronicle / Polaris

Al Horford, who turned 40 in June, could be a potential starter, but Kerr said he’s leaning against that option. 

“Al could be in there, but just given where he is minutes-wise per game, if the guy is going to play 20 [minutes], which is probably the limit or where we’d like him to average, it’s just a lot easier to bring him off the bench,” Kerr told reporters Monday. 

“I also like the idea of having Draymond or Al on the court as often as possible to anchor our defense, so, yeah, I’m leaning that way.”

Porzingis has missed the Warriors’ entire preseason due to an undisclosed private health issue. Kerr said Porzingis will meet with Rick Celebrini, the Warriors’ director of sports medicine and performance, on Tuesday to figure out next steps.

Golden State Warriors center Kristaps Porzingis comes in as a substitute against the Boston Celtics during the second quarter at Chase Center. (Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images) D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

It remains unclear when Porzingis will return.

“All of that will be determined once we get him back here and have discussions and figure out where he is and all that stuff,” Kerr said. 

Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody are expected to remain sidelined with injuries for the first few months of the season.

Jimmy Butler III of the Golden State Warriors dribbles the ball against the New York Knicks at Chase Center in San Francisco, California, on Jan. 15, 2026. Getty Images

So, when it comes to the Warriors’ starting lineup, Santos could get a big opportunity. The 24-year-old forward started in 30 games for the Warriors last season and averaged 9.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.3 blocked shots per game.

Santos, whom Golden State selected with the 55th pick in the 2022 draft, has been a success story for the franchise. The Warriors signed him to a three-year, $15 million extension in February.

The Warriors open the regular season against the Lakers on Oct. 21 at Crypto.com Arena.