The Golden State Warriors enter 2025-26 with a Curry–Green–Butler core, new adds like Al Horford, and rising youth. Can this veteran-led group contend again in the West? Here’s our season preview.
Warriors projected starting five
*Subject to change pic.twitter.com/1SYXR8JV15
— GSW Ball Report (@GSWBallReport) October 5, 2025
2025-26 GS Warriors Overview
The Golden State Warriors bring back a veteran-heavy core of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler III, now heading into Butler’s first full season in the Bay. The front office re-signed Jonathan Kuminga to a two-year deal, added Al Horford to fortify the frontcourt after Kevon Looney’s departure, and retained defensive ace Gary Payton II. Depth pieces and young contributors—Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, Trayce Jackson-Davis, Quinten Post, Gui Santos, plus rookies Will Richard and Alex Toohey—round out a deeper rotation.
The team’s preseason pace notably jumped when Curry was on the floor, and last year’s seventh-ranked defense (111.0 allowed per 100) is positioned to tighten further with smarter, switchable lineups. For bettors, Golden State projects as one of the league’s more intriguing NBA Prop plays—balancing veteran stability with youthful energy that can swing outcomes across both the stat sheet and betting markets.
Golden State Warriors Identity
Post-deadline last season, the Curry–Green–Butler trio reshaped the team’s two-way personality. Butler’s low-turnover isolation scoring and free-throw pressure complemented Golden State’s Curry-centered motion game, while his partnership with Green produced multipositional, high-IQ defense. The impact was clear: after the trade, the Warriors posted a top-four record, top-three net rating, and the NBA’s No. 1 defense, going 28–15 across 43 regular and postseason games. In the 35 games with Curry, Green, and Butler together, they went 27–8—a 63-win pace. Add Horford’s plug-and-play spacing and team defense, plus shooting and on-ball utility from Seth Curry and De’Anthony Melton (back healthy), and Steve Kerr can lean into a “many smart pieces” ethos that accentuates the stars while giving the youth clean, defined roles.
GS Warriors Expectations
Golden State finished 48–34 (7th in West) and fell in the second round after Curry’s hamstring issue derailed the Minnesota series. With health, the path forward is illuminated: the vets drive winning while the youngsters “get in where they fit in.” The front office has flexibility—Kuminga’s new two-year deal could be a development anchor or midseason trade chip if fit dictates. The schedule opens Oct. 21 at the Lakers, and with an O/U win total of 45.5, the version of the Warriors that closed last season—now plus Horford—has the tools to beat that number and push for home court.
Per Sources 2026' NBA Championship Odds
1. Denver Nuggets – 41%
2. OKC Thunder – 39%
3. Golden State Warriors – 5%
4. Cleveland Cavaliers – 4%
5. Los Angeles Clippers – 3%
6. Los Angeles Lakers – 2%
7. Boston Celtics – 2%
8. Houston Rockets – 2%
9. New York Knicks – 1%
10.… pic.twitter.com/P6lwmj9Hb9— Per Sources (@PerSources) October 8, 2025
Steph Curry Effect On GS Warriors
Everything still orbits Steph. The preseason tempo spike with him on the floor mirrors his gravitational pull: more pace, cleaner spacing, and easier reads for everyone. He’s the tone-setter for the offense and the compass for late-game execution. Last spring underscored the dependency—when Curry played, Golden State stole Game 1 in Minnesota; when he couldn’t, the run ended. Surrounding him with veteran decision-makers (Green/Butler/Horford) and complementary shooters/handlers (Seth Curry, Melton, Moody, Podziemski) maximizes his window. As the all-time 3PT king enters Year 17, the mission is simple: keep him healthy, keep the floor spaced, and let his gravity do the rest.
NBA GMs voted Stephen Curry #1 in several categories
💎 Best shooter
💎 Best off-ball player
💎 Best leader in league
💎 Player trusted most with last shotStill setting the standard at aged 37. pic.twitter.com/NqITfNJHxp
— Steph Curry Muse (@StephMuse_) October 12, 2025
Golden State Warriors Final Thoughts
The Golden State Warriors are built for a present-tense push: Curry–Green–Butler as the winning core, Horford as the seamless frontcourt fit, and a bench stocked with defensive length, shooting, and energetic youth. If the veterans stay upright and the rotation rows in the same direction, the post-deadline surge wasn’t a blip—it was a blueprint. Health and role clarity turn this group from playoff tough-out to genuine West contender.
Thank you for reading my 2025-26 Golden State Warriors season preview article! You can read more of my sports betting content on my SG Team Author Page. Feel free to connect with me on X (@MarcSaulino) and follow @StatementGames to stay informed about everything relevant to NBA season previews.
