David Butler II-Imagn Images

Warriors Dealt Kristaps Porzingis Setback Before Nuggets Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Feb 22, 2026 1:13 PM ET

The Golden State Warriors are navigating a challenging stretch as they integrate new pieces while managing key absences.

After trading for Kristaps Porzingis at the deadline, Golden State (29-27) has been working to stabilize its rotation without injured stars Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler. Curry remains sidelined with right knee issues, while Butler is out for the season with a torn ACL.

Porzingis made his Warriors debut Thursday against the Boston Celtics, finishing with 12 points in 17 minutes off the bench in a 121-110 loss. The team eased him back after an extended absence tied to Achilles tendinitis and illness. He flashed his floor-spacing and interior scoring ability, though conditioning and rhythm are still developing.

Golden State Warriors center Kristaps Porzingis (7) guards Boston Celtics center Nikola Vucevic (4)D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

Following that debut, Golden State planned to gradually increase Porzingis’ workload for Sunday’s matchup against the Denver Nuggets . Head coach Steve Kerr indicated the 7-foot-3 forward/center would see a slight bump in minutes as he continued to build fitness and get comfortable within the system.

But those plans changed shortly before tip-off. According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, Porzingis was ruled out of the Warriors’ game against Denver due to a general illness. He had practiced over the previous couple of days and was trending toward a larger role, but the late development will now keep him on the sidelines.

Kristaps Porzingis is now out with a general illness this afternoon for Warriors vs Nuggets. Played 17 minutes in debut, practiced last couple days and plan had been to slightly bump his minutes
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) February 22, 2026

His absence creates another challenge for a rotation already stretched thin. Porzingis had not played since Jan. 7 prior to Thursday’s debut, missing significant time with Achilles tendinitis and illness. Golden State acquired him in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield, targeting his size, rim protection and perimeter shooting to strengthen the frontcourt.

Instead, the Warriors will again adjust on the fly as they monitor Porzingis’ status and look to remain competitive in a tightly packed Western Conference race.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: