The Golden State Warriors are beginning to experience the unpredictability that has often accompanied Kristaps Porzingis throughout his career, according to Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area, after the big man was ruled out as a late scratch before Sunday’s game.
Head coach Steve Kerr had planned to rely on Porzingis’ size and skill to help counter Nikola Jokic, but those plans changed when illness prevented the veteran center from playing.
Compounding the situation, Draymond Green was also ruled out shortly before tip-off due to lower back soreness, forcing Golden State to quickly adjust its rotation and game plan.
Porzingis, who joined the Warriors in a trade with Atlanta at the deadline, has long been known for his offensive versatility and unique skill set as a big man, though injuries and health-related absences have frequently affected his availability.
Poole notes that Kerr may need to become comfortable making last-minute lineup changes as the team adapts to managing Porzingis’ health moving forward. Kerr explained that the team only learned about the situation earlier in the day.
“I haven’t talked to him,” Kerr said in his pregame meeting with reporters. “Just got a text this morning that he was sick and at the hotel, and he’s not even going to come over here. He’s pretty sick.”
ICYMI: The Warriors have needed contributions throughout the roster while their stars are sidelined, and Brandin Podziemski delivered in a big way on Sunday. That + more on the Warriors. https://t.co/3UO5KZus8N
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) February 23, 2026
