SAN FRANCISCO ― The Golden State Warriors have taken a blow to the depth in their backcourt early in the 2026-27 season, despite an eight-game winning streak.
Williams logged 1 minute, 39 seconds for Golden State and scored four points on 2-of-3 shooting, connecting on back-to-back layups before exiting the game with a hamstring injury.
Williams checked out of the game at the 3:18 mark of the first quarter and did not return. The organization said Williams suffered a left hamstring injury and missed the rest of the game against New Orleans. The Warriors guard is scheduled for an MRI.
“He’s a huge part of our team, and he’s given us such a lift, and it’s a hamstring,” Kerr told reporters after the game. “He is gonna get an MRI, so we’ll see how bad it is.”
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14. Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers
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15. Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics
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17. Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns
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21. Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets
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22. Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder
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32. Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers
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36. Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers
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37. Anthony Davis, Dallas Mavericks
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38. Deni Avdija, Portland Trail Blazers
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39. Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons
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50. Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans
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Warriors backcourt depth keeps dwindling
Golden State suffered a setback losing Williams. The hope is that his injury is not severe, otherwise the Warriors’ backcourt depth is diminishing early.
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In addition to Williams’ early exit, reserve point guard Will Richard didn’t play Monday against the Pelicans. Richard has a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his left thumb and is ruled out indefinitely.
“We’re trying to wait till the swelling goes down. I’ll do a workout, catching and going full speed, and see if it’s comfortable …. I want to play,” Richard said.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr was bummed about the news because of how well Richard has been playing, at times even starting.
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“It’s a shame. He’s playing at a really high level, a lot of confidence, filling an important role,” Kerr told reporters before Monday night’s game. “At times starting, at times coming off the bench. But able to really play good minutes for us and brings energy, a lot of defensive intensity, shooting the ball well. So we’re hopeful that he’s able to play through it and we’ll know more after a few days when the swelling goes down.”
Golden State was also without Gary Payton II, who was out with an illness and left knee inflammation. The Warriors are still going without the likes of Moses Moody and Jimmy Butler III, who is progressing along.
The Warriors are bruised and battered, but unbeaten in the last eight games.
