Warriors Face Steep Climb Without Curry as Porzingis Prepares for Celtics Debut

By Oddixa — 2026-02-19

The Golden State Warriors must navigate a difficult matchup against Boston without Stephen Curry, while the Celtics gain a major boost with Kristaps Porzingis' return.

As the NBA season resumes following the All-Star break, the Golden State Warriors find themselves in a challenging spot with superstar Stephen Curry still sidelined. The veteran guard has been ruled out for Thursday night’s clash against the Boston Celtics, and perhaps more concerning for bettors and fans alike, there is currently no firm timeline for his return. Without their primary engine, the Warriors face a significant uphill battle in terms of offensive efficiency and floor spacing, making them a risky play for those looking to back the underdog on the moneyline.

On the other side of the court, the Boston Celtics are trending in the opposite direction regarding health. The C's are expected to welcome Kristaps Porzingis into the lineup for his season debut. For sports bettors, this shift is monumental; Porzingis adds a dynamic rim-protecting and floor-stretching element that could significantly impact the total points (Over/Under) and the point spread. With Curry’s elite scoring absent and Boston’s defense gaining an elite anchor, the Warriors will likely struggle to keep pace with a Celtics squad that is nearing full strength and looking to assert dominance in the Eastern Conference.