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Kristaps Porzingis now of the Golden State Warriors.
The Golden State Warriors received another encouraging — if still cautious — update on Kristaps Porziņģis as they inch closer to a clearer answer on his availability.
Steve Kerr Provides Fresh Kristaps Porziņģis Update After Practice
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said Friday that Porziņģis took an important step forward in his recovery from illness, participating more fully in practice for the first time since being sidelined.
“Kristaps was feeling better in practice today,” Kerr said after Friday’s session, per ClutchPoints. “First time he’s done much since the illness. He’ll be questionable [for the Lakers game].”
While Kerr stopped short of confirming Porziņģis’ return, the designation marks tangible progress after the 7-foot-3 center missed multiple games due to illness.
Warriors Continue Careful Ramp-Up
Porziņģis did not travel with the Warriors on their recent two-game road trip, remaining in the Bay Area as he recovered. The Warriors went 2–1 during his absence, but his availability looms large as Golden State balances short-term results with long-term postseason health.
Kerr has repeatedly emphasized that Porziņģis’ absence was strictly illness-related, not connected to the Achilles tendinitis that delayed his debut earlier this season.
That distinction has been key internally, as the Warriors remain focused on avoiding unnecessary risk with a player they view as central to their playoff ceiling.
Lakers Game Now a Real Possibility
Porziņģis’ status is now officially questionable for Saturday’s home matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers, a notable shift after Kerr previously expressed optimism that the game could be a return target.
Even if Porziņģis is cleared, any appearance would likely come with minute restrictions as the Warriors prioritize conditioning after the extended layoff.
Before falling ill, Porziņģis had been trending toward an expanded role following a promising Warriors debut in a loss to the Boston Celtics last week.
Porziņģis Flashed Impact in Limited Debut
In just 17 minutes against Boston, Porziņģis scored 12 points on 5-of-9 shooting, knocked down two three-pointers, and recorded two blocks. The performance offered a glimpse of why Golden State targeted him at the trade deadline: floor spacing at center, rim protection, and lineup flexibility around Stephen Curry, though they have not played together yet, with Curry still recovering from a knee injury.
At full strength, Porziņģis gives Kerr a dimension the Warriors have lacked — a true stretch five who can punish switches and alter shots without compromising spacing.
Frontcourt Holding Steady in the Meantime
While waiting on Porziņģis, Golden State has leaned on a familiar mix.
Veteran Al Horford has played some of his best basketball of the season after battling sciatica earlier in the year. In the Warriors’ last two wins, Horford averaged 16.0 points, 5.0 assists, 4.0 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.5 blocks while shooting an eye-popping 61.5% from three.
Draymond Green has also been in and out of the lineup with a back issue. Though his effectiveness had dipped without Curry, he remains a key defensive anchor when available.
Meanwhile, second-year center Quinten Post continues to build trust. Post recently posted 12 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks in a 133–112 win over the Memphis Grizzlies, offering reliable minutes when the frontcourt has been thinned.
Warriors Taking the Long View
Golden State’s approach with Porziņģis has been deliberate from the start. The organization has resisted the temptation to rush him back, even as questions swirl around seeding, rotation stability and the backdrop of Jonathan Kuminga‘s rousing start in Atlanta.
Kerr’s latest update suggests the next checkpoint has been reached — meaningful practice work — but the final call remains fluid.
With the postseason looming, the Warriors appear willing to sacrifice short-term certainty for long-term payoff.
For now, Porziņģis remains questionable. But for the first time since the illness sidelined him, his return is once again firmly on the table — and the Warriors are one step closer to seeing how their biggest midseason addition truly fits.
Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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