The Golden State Warriors have begun the 2025-26 season on a perfect note heading into their Friday night bout against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Golden State’s vaunted trio of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green have each had their individual moments spanning consecutive wins against the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets on Tuesday and Thursday night, respectively.
Now, the group will receive an added boost, as recent reports have confirmed that their former No. 14 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft and developing two-way wing will finally return to the lineup after dealing with a nagging calf injury.
“Moses Moody will make his season debut for the Warriors tonight in Portland,” ESPN’s Anthony Slater shared via X/Twitter on Friday night.
“Al Horford is resting with left toe injury management. Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green are cleared to play. Jonathan Kuminga is probable with right ankle inflammation.”
Though the team will be without their 39-year-old NBA champion center Al Horford, Moses Moody’s return and season debut will inject Golden State’s defense with more energy and alertness.
Golden State’s 23-year-old possesses clear three-and-D potential and proved to be a massive difference-maker for the team in 2024-25 after the arrival of Butler via trade from the Miami Heat.
In two preseason appearances prior to suffering a calf injury that would sideline him for the Warriors’ first two regular season games, Moody averaged 14.5 points and 1.0 steals while knocking down a blistering 58.3% of his 6.0 attempts from three-point range.
Prior to their battle against the young and athletic Trail Blazers, the news of Moody’s return will certainly help his team to keep Portland’s rising stars such as Shaedon Sharpe, Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara in check.
More NBA: Hachimura calls out Timberwolves’ physicality ahead of playoff rematch