The Golden State Warriors are facing significant injury woes that have hit their backcourt depth hard in the early phase of the NBA 2026-27 season, despite an impressive eight-game winning run. The team's resilience is being tested as key rotational players deal with physical setbacks.
Guard Brandon Williams made a brief appearance in the Warriors' dominant 138-87 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday, November 9, at the Chase Center. The atmosphere was electric, but the mood shifted quickly when Williams went down.
Williams played only 1 minute and 39 seconds for Golden State. He managed to post 4 points on 2-of-3 shooting before suffering a hamstring injury.
He left the court with 3 minutes and 18 seconds remaining in the first quarter and did not return to the game. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr provided a concerning update on the guard, who is now set to undergo an MRI scan.
"He's a huge part of our team, and he's given us such a lift, and it's a hamstring," Kerr told reporters postgame. Kerr added, "He is gonna get an MRI, so we'll see how bad it is." The coaching staff remains hopeful for a quick recovery, but the nature of hamstring injuries often requires a cautious approach to avoid long-term complications.
Besides the injury to Williams, reserve guard Will Richard also missed Monday's matchup against the Pelicans. The team confirmed that Richard suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his left thumb.
The medical staff has ruled Richard out indefinitely, which is a major blow to the team's bench strength. The UCL injury is notoriously difficult for basketball players, as it affects grip and ball handling, essential skills for a guard.
The Warriors were also missing veteran Gary Payton II during the contest. Payton was sidelined due to a combination of an illness and persistent left knee inflammation, further thinning the team's defensive options.
Despite these setbacks, the Warriors remain unbeaten in their last eight games. The team's ability to maintain their winning streak while missing key personnel speaks volumes about their depth and the tactical adjustments made by Steve Kerr.
As the season progresses, the front office and medical team will be closely monitoring the rehabilitation of these players. The Warriors hope to have their full roster back in action soon to maintain their momentum in the highly competitive Western Conference.