The Golden State Warriors received a surprising Kristaps Porzingis update ahead of their NBA Play-In Tournament elimination game as the 7-foot-3 Latvian center is trending toward playing despite being listed as questionable due to right ankle soreness.
Porzingis’ status emerged as a key storyline following Golden State’s comeback win over the Los Angeles Clippers, where he played a pivotal role with 20 points, five rebounds, five assists, two blocks and one steal in 28 minutes. However, he appeared to favor his ankle late in the game, raising concerns about his availability for Friday’s do-or-die matchup against the Phoenix Suns.
According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, the outlook is encouraging.
“Everything as of this hour, I’m hearing from the Warriors is an expectation Kristaps Porzingis, despite the ankle soreness, will play,” Slater reported on NBA Today several hours before tipoff. “He was limping the other night. He had it taped up postgame… but, yeah, I do expect Porzingis out there.”
Kristaps Porzingis Injury Update Looms Large for Warriors
GettyGolden State Warriors forward Kristaps Porzingis backs down Bennedict Mathurin during a game as his status looms large ahead of a must-win NBA play-in matchup against the Phoenix Suns.
Porzingis is expected to test his ankle during shootaround and pregame warmups before a final determination is made. Even with the questionable tag, the expectation that he will suit up is significant for a Warriors team navigating a short turnaround.
The 7-foot forward has averaged 16.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 blocks across 15 games with Golden State, providing scoring punch and rim protection since joining the rotation. With limited depth due to injuries, his presence could prove critical.
Slater also emphasized the importance of Porzingis stepping into a larger offensive role.
“If Steph Curry does miss 12 minutes of the 48, Porzingis needs to be that second scorer,” he said.
Stephen Curry Cleared, Warriors Carry Momentum Into Play-In Clash
The Warriors will again lean on Stephen Curry, who is not listed on the injury report despite an early scare against the Clippers.
Curry briefly exited to the locker room in the opening moments of that game but returned to deliver a dominant performance, finishing with 35 points and hitting the go-ahead 3-pointer with 50.4 seconds remaining to complete a 13-point fourth-quarter comeback.
He scored 27 of those points in the second half, signaling strong form after returning from a lengthy knee injury absence. Golden State has also won three of four regular-season meetings against Phoenix, adding confidence entering the matchup.
Suns Injury Report Adds to Warriors’ Opportunity
Phoenix enters the game under pressure after blowing an 11-point fourth-quarter lead in a loss to Portland earlier this week.
The Suns have listed Mark Williams (left foot soreness) and Grayson Allen (left hamstring) as questionable. Allen, in particular, has missed the team’s last two games, potentially impacting Phoenix’s perimeter spacing if he remains sidelined.
Meanwhile, Golden State continues to manage its own absences, with Jimmy Butler out due to right ACL surgery, alongside Moses Moody (left patellar tendon surgery) and Quinten Post (right foot injury management).
Warriors-Suns Play-In Game Stakes: Final Playoff Spot on the Line
Friday’s matchup, scheduled for 10 p.m. ET in Phoenix, will determine the Western Conference’s No. 8 seed and a first-round meeting with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
With Porzingis trending toward availability, Curry in rhythm and the Suns potentially short-handed, the Warriors appear positioned to capitalize in a win-or-go-home setting.
The final determination on Porzingis’ status will come closer to tipoff, but all indications point to Golden State getting one of its key contributors back when it matters most.
Warriors Get Surprising Kristaps Porzingis Update Before Must-Win Game vs Suns