The 2025-26 NBA season has officially kicked off, with the Golden State Warriors taking on the Los Angeles Lakers in what promises to be an exciting opening night matchup. Scheduled for 7:00 p.m. PT, the game will be broadcasted on NBC and Peacock. However, both teams will enter the contest with notable absences due to injuries.
For the Warriors, Moses Moody has been ruled out with a left soleus strain. Moody showed great potential during training camp and the preseason, but a minor setback has sidelined him. Coach Steve Kerr has indicated that he expects Moody to return to practice soon, though he might not be fully prepared for game action right away.
Additionally, De’Anthony Melton is out after undergoing left ACL surgery. He has yet to play since suffering the injury last year. Melton was traded and subsequently re-signed with the Warriors, and while his absence will be felt, he is not expected to be out for an extended period.
The Warriors will also be without Alex Toohey, who is experiencing left knee patellofemoral pain. As a second-round pick, Toohey had been expected to spend much of his inaugural season in the G League.
On a more positive note, both Jimmy Butler III and Jonathan Kuminga are listed as probable for the game, hinting at the possibility that they could see action despite recent injuries. Butler had missed the preseason finale but appears on track to contribute, while Kuminga’s status has been a point of concern due to right ankle inflammation.
The Lakers, meanwhile, face their own challenges as LeBron James will not suit up due to right sciatica. Fans were eager to see another showdown between James and Stephen Curry, but the star forward will be out for the first few weeks of the season. Maxi Kleber, another key player for the Lakers, is also sidelined with a left oblique strain. Additionally, Adou Thiero will remain out as he continues to recover from knee surgery.
As the season unfolds, these injury reports serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports, where health plays a critical role in a team’s success. Fans remain hopeful that injured players will return quickly, allowing for fierce competition in what promises to be an exciting season ahead. Enjoy the game, Dub Nation!