UPDATE: Golden State Warriors Injury Report Against Celtics
The Golden State Warriors are gearing up for a critical matchup against the Boston Celtics, and with the 2025 season heading into its second half, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Both teams are in the mix for playoff positioning in their respective conferences, and this game represents a pivotal opportunity for both squads to either assert their dominance or solidify their place in the standings. However, the Warriors are heading into the game with a series of injuries that could significantly affect their chances of success.
The Golden State Warriors have faced their share of injury challenges over the past few seasons, with key players experiencing both long-term and short-term setbacks. As the team continues to navigate through the grind of the regular season, staying healthy and maintaining their roster’s integrity has become a crucial part of their pursuit of another championship. With that in mind, the Warriors’ injury report against the Celtics features several key players who could impact the team’s overall performance.
This update will provide a detailed breakdown of the latest injury news for the Golden State Warriors as they prepare to face the Celtics. We’ll also discuss how these injuries might affect the Warriors’ strategy, who will need to step up in the absence of these players, and what the team will need to do in order to overcome these challenges and secure a crucial victory.
Stephen Curry – Out (Shoulder Injury)
The biggest and most concerning injury for the Golden State Warriors heading into this matchup is that of Stephen Curry, who will miss the game against the Celtics due to a shoulder injury. Curry is the undisputed leader of the Warriors, and his absence leaves a gaping hole in the team’s offense and overall leadership on the court.
Curry sustained the shoulder injury during a game earlier this month and has since been listed as day-to-day. However, the Warriors have opted to be cautious with their franchise player, and he will sit out against the Celtics in an effort to fully recover. This is a tough blow for the Warriors, as Curry has been playing at an MVP-caliber level this season, averaging over 30 points per game and providing his usual high-level playmaking and leadership on both ends of the court.
Without Curry, the Warriors will need to rely heavily on their other stars, including Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, to step up and shoulder the offensive and defensive load. Additionally, the Warriors will likely need Jordan Poole and Moses Moody to contribute more, as they are the players expected to take on greater offensive responsibility in Curry’s absence.
The Warriors’ offense has often been driven by Curry’s shooting range and playmaking ability. His absence will undoubtedly force the Warriors to adjust their offensive sets, perhaps shifting to more pick-and-rolls and post-ups to create easier scoring opportunities for their remaining star players.
Klay Thompson – Probable (Knee Injury)
Fortunately for the Golden State Warriors, Klay Thompson appears to be in line to play against the Celtics, though he is still listed as probable due to a knee injury. Thompson has dealt with multiple injuries over the past few seasons, most notably his Achilles and ACL injuries, and the team has been cautious with his workload to ensure he stays healthy for the long haul.
Thompson has been playing better as the season has gone on, shaking off the rust from his extended injury layoff and returning to his elite shooting form. However, his knee injury is something to keep an eye on, as it could limit his ability to perform at the level the Warriors need. Thompson has been a key part of the Warriors’ offense, particularly as a shooter, and the team will need him to stay hot from beyond the arc to keep up with a Celtics team that boasts one of the most potent offenses in the league.
If Thompson is able to play, he will likely be tasked with guarding Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown, the Celtics’ primary offensive weapons. Thompson’s defensive ability has always been one of his strongest traits, and his ability to slow down the Celtics’ wings will be a key factor in determining the outcome of the game.
While Thompson’s injury is not as severe as Curry’s, the Warriors will still need to monitor his knee closely, ensuring that he is not overexerting himself and risking further damage. His presence on the court would be invaluable, and the Warriors need him to be at his best if they hope to compete with Boston.
Draymond Green – Questionable (Back Injury)
Another key member of the Warriors who may miss the game is Draymond Green, who has been listed as questionable due to a back injury. Green has been dealing with back issues for several weeks, and although he has played through the pain, the Warriors’ medical staff is taking a cautious approach to avoid further aggravating the injury. Green’s presence on the court is crucial for the Warriors’ defensive schemes and overall team chemistry. His ability to facilitate the offense, create turnovers, and anchor the Warriors’ defense is vital to the team’s success.
If Green is unable to play, the Warriors will miss his elite defense and playmaking ability. Kevon Looney would likely step into the starting center role in Green’s absence, with Jonathan Kuminga and JaMychal Green also expected to take on bigger roles. Green’s defensive prowess, particularly in guarding elite forwards like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, would be sorely missed, and the Warriors would need to adjust their defensive scheme accordingly.
Green’s absence would also mean the Warriors lose a major emotional leader on the floor. Green is known for his intensity and leadership, often serving as the vocal presence that keeps the team focused and engaged. Without him, the Warriors may find it more difficult to stay connected and energized, especially if the Celtics come out strong.
Kevon Looney – Available (Rest)
One player who is expected to be available and ready for action is Kevon Looney, who has been dealing with general wear and tear but is not listed on the injury report for the game against the Celtics. Looney has been a steady presence for the Warriors this season, particularly in terms of rebounding and defense. His ability to grab crucial boards and provide a physical presence in the paint will be important, especially if Green is unable to play.
Looney’s role will be especially important if the Warriors need to rely more on their interior defense in the absence of Curry and Green. The Celtics have strong inside players, including Robert Williams and Al Horford, and Looney will need to hold his own on the boards and protect the rim to limit the Celtics’ second-chance opportunities.
Jordan Poole – Ready to Step Up
With the injuries to key players, Jordan Poole will play a vital role in the Warriors’ offensive attack against the Celtics. Poole has shown flashes of brilliance in his young career, especially during the Warriors’ 2022 championship run. However, he has also had moments of inconsistency this season, particularly with his shot selection and decision-making.
In Curry’s absence, Poole will need to step up as the primary ball handler and scorer. His ability to create his own shot, penetrate the defense, and knock down three-pointers will be crucial for the Warriors’ chances. If Poole can take advantage of the added responsibility and play at a high level, he could help mitigate some of the scoring loss from Curry’s absence. The Warriors will need Poole to embrace the moment and be a reliable offensive weapon if they hope to compete with the Celtics.
Impact of the Injuries on the Warriors’ Strategy
With several key players either questionable or out for the game against the Celtics, the Warriors will need to adjust their strategy to account for the missing pieces. The team’s offensive game plan will likely revolve around getting Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole open looks, while also utilizing Kevon Looney in the pick-and-roll and as a lob threat in the paint. If Draymond Green is unable to go, the Warriors will likely lean on Jonathan Kuminga and JaMychal Green to help fill the gap in both the frontcourt and the defensive rotations.
On defense, the Warriors will need to be creative without Green’s elite ability to guard multiple positions. The team may have to focus more on switching on defense and relying on their perimeter defenders, including Klay Thompson, Moses Moody, and Jordan Poole, to slow down Boston’s dynamic scoring duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Despite the injuries, the Warriors still have the potential to pull off a victory, especially if their remaining stars play at an elevated level. Stephen Curry’s absence is a huge blow, but the Warriors have enough talent on their roster to make this a competitive game. If they can execute their game plan, take advantage of the Celtics’ weaknesses, and step up in the face of adversity, they could still come away with an important win.
Conclusion
The Golden State Warriors’ injury report heading into their matchup against the Boston Celtics is undoubtedly a cause for concern. With Stephen Curry sidelined, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green dealing with injury issues, and Kevon Looney being the only key player unaffected, the Warriors face a challenging road ahead. However, the team still has the talent and leadership to compete, and this game will be an important test of their depth and resilience.
If the Warriors can weather the storm and play to their strengths, they could still have a shot at pulling off a victory against one of the NBA’s top teams. As always, much of the success will depend on the ability of Klay Thompson, Jordan Poole, and others to step up in the absence of their key players. With everything on the line, this matchup will be a true test of Golden State’s ability to adjust and adapt to the challenges posed by injury and adversity.
