Golden State Warriors 2026-27 Season Preview: Schedule, Win Predictions, and Key Insights

Golden State Warriors Overview for 2026-27

The new NBA season is underway, and the Golden State Warriors are gearing up with fresh prospects and lingering questions. After finishing the 2025-26 season with a 37-45 record and falling to the Suns in the play-in tournament, expectations hover around their ability to compete in a tough Western Conference.

Last Season Recap

• Record: 37-45
• Standing: 10th in the Western Conference
• Playoff Outcome: Lost in play-in tournament to Suns

Offseason Transactions

• Draft Picks: Yaxel Lendeborg (11th overall), Lajae Jones (54th overall)
• Signings and Extensions: Kristaps Porziņģis (2 years, $40 million), Al Horford (re-signed for 2 years, $14 million), De Anthony Melton (re-signed for 2 years, $11 million), Draymond Green (re-signed for 1 year, $27.7 million), Gary Payton II (re-signed for 1 year, $3.9 million), Georges Niang (1 year, $3.9 million)
• Departures: Pat Spencer (signed with Suns), Trayce Jackson-Davis (traded to Raptors), Quinten Post (signed with Grizzlies)

Roster and Rankings

The Warriors currently rank 22nd in preseason power rankings. The addition of Yaxel Lendeborg has brought some optimism; his versatile scoring and playmaking blend well with Stephen Curry's style. Lendeborg’s MVP-level showing at the Summer League hinted at what he might offer during the season.

Concerns Ahead

The big question remains how long the team can rely on Curry, who is now 38, to carry the load. Key veterans like Draymond Green (36) and Al Horford (40) have durability issues, and Porziņģis’s health is uncertain. Injuries to Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody could sideline them for the year, or at least limit their impact early on. The franchise’s attempts to maximize Curry’s remaining prime years seem tentative at best.

Preseason Observations

Lendeborg’s impact has been clear each time he’s played. His drives add a fresh dynamic, and his confidence from deep—whether catch-and-shoot or off the dribble—is promising. His hustle plays, like diving for loose balls, show his dedication. If he tightens up defensively, it would greatly help Golden State. The team still leans heavily on Curry and Draymond Green but needs to find ways to turn regular-season efforts into playoff success.

Fantasy Basketball Watch

• Brandin Podziemski has seen his usage jump to 28% in the preseason, indicating a breakout could be near.
• The Warriors didn’t add much to the backcourt besides Brandon Williams, signaling his role might grow.
• Al Horford will probably come off the bench, enhancing the appeal of Gui Santos and Yaxel Lendeborg in fantasy leagues.

2026-27 Opening Schedule

• October 21: at Los Angeles Lakers
• October 23: vs Memphis Grizzlies
• October 24: at Phoenix Suns

Season Betting Outlook

• Projected wins: 39.5
• Odds to win division: +375
• Odds to win NBA Finals: +6600

Best and Worst Case Scenarios

If Curry stays healthy, he can still perform at an All-NBA level. Draymond Green's defense remains strong even if not at his peak. With solid contributions from young players and flexible role players, Golden State could secure enough wins for the play-in tournament. The return of Butler and Porziņģis before playoffs would make them more dangerous than their seeding suggests.

The core group is aging, and another injury-plagued season or decline from veteran players might leave the Warriors out of postseason contention again.