Getty

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr sits on the bench before their game.

Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr isn’t ready to reveal his opening-night hand — even as the countdown to Tuesday’s season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers winds down.

Kerr confirmed that Moses Moody will miss the opener with a calf injury. At the same time, Jimmy Butler (ankle) and Jonathan Kuminga (ankle) are both questionable despite participating in scrimmages over the weekend.

“I feel pretty confident that Steph Curry will be in the starting lineup,” Kerr deadpanned, flashing a grin. “I’ve given it a lot of thought, and yeah, it took me a while, but I got there last night. Well, it’s not so much that he’s earned it — I don’t believe in rewarding guys just for being one of the greatest players of all time and stuff like that. It’s more about what his score on the computer was — to see if he passed the conditioning test.”

Curry, Draymond Expected to Lead Veterans

While Kerr’s comments were clearly tongue-in-cheek, there’s no question Curry and Draymond Green will headline the starting group. The 37-year-old Curry averaged 21.7 minutes per game in the preseason, ramping up to 27 and 30 minutes in his final two outings as the Warriors’ offense found its rhythm.

“Draymond will be out there. If Jimmy plays, Jimmy will be out there,” Kerr added. “And with Moses out, that’s kind of the question — so BP (Brandin Podziemski) will be out there. The fifth spot could be Al. I’m being way too generous, I guess.”

Al Horford’s Workload Will Be Managed Carefully

Veteran center Al Horford, 39, the Warriors’ marquee offseason acquisition, will have his workload closely managed throughout the year. Kerr said Horford will not play back-to-backs, which already eliminates 13 games from his schedule.

“Al is most likely going to play 50 or 60 games — somewhere in there,” Kerr said. “He’s also probably playing 20 to 24 minutes max. You start a guy who’s playing 20 minutes — it’s hard to space those minutes over 48. He ends up sitting for a long time. Honestly, I haven’t decided yet who’s going to start on Tuesday.”

Horford averaged 16.5 minutes in four preseason games. Kerr’s comments suggest the veteran’s presence will be strategic — used as much for his leadership and defensive IQ as for on-court production.

Jonathan Kuminga Awaits His Chance

If Horford sits, Kerr hinted that Kuminga could step into the lineup. The 23-year-old forward signed a two-year, $48.5 million extension this month but enters the season without a guaranteed starting role.

“If it’s not Al, it could be JK,” Kerr said. “It could be any one of a number of players, honestly. But what we have to think about is what that does to the rotation and what that means coming off the bench. Honestly, we haven’t decided yet, and I’ve got to talk to guys as well.”

Kuminga averaged 7.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in four preseason games while shooting 52.4% from the floor. However, his three turnovers per game remain an issue — one that Kerr emphasized the Warriors must clean up immediately.

Kerr’s Focus: Ball Security and Discipline

“We have to lean into the bench a little bit Tuesday night,” Kerr said. “And obviously we’ve got to do two things better right out of the gate — take care of the ball and defend without fouling. Those are my focus points.”

With the Lakers looming and Kerr still deliberating over his fifth starter, one thing is clear: the Warriors’ season will begin as it often does — with Curry leading, Kerr experimenting, and Golden State balancing veteran caution with youthful urgency.

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