Do the Warriors Play Today? Why This January Stretch is Everything

Do the Warriors Play Today? Why This January Stretch is Everything

If you’re checking your watch and wondering do the warriors play today, I have some news that might either clear up your evening or leave you itching for tomorrow. As of Sunday, January 18, 2026, the Golden State Warriors are actually in the middle of a rare, much-needed breather.

They don't play today.

Honestly, after the track meet they just had against the Charlotte Hornets last night, the guys probably need it. It’s a quiet Sunday in San Francisco, at least for the Dubs. But don't get too comfortable on the couch. The schedule is about to get intense, and if you're a fan, you’ve probably noticed that this January home stand is basically the "make or break" moment for their playoff seeding.

Breaking Down the Schedule: What’s Next?

So, since we know the answer to do the warriors play today is a "no," when exactly can you see Steph and the crew back at Chase Center?

The Warriors take the floor again tomorrow, Monday, January 19, 2026. This isn't just any regular Monday night game. It’s a Martin Luther King Jr. Day matchup against the Miami Heat. Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM PT.

It’s actually kinda crazy how many home games they’ve had lately. From January 2nd through the 20th, the Warriors are playing 10 out of 11 games in their own building. That is a massive opportunity to stack wins before they have to deal with the grind of a road trip.

If you're planning your week, here is what the immediate horizon looks like:

  • Monday, Jan 19: vs. Miami Heat (MLK Day)
  • Tuesday, Jan 20: vs. Toronto Raptors (Back-to-back!)
  • Thursday, Jan 22: @ Dallas Mavericks (Heading to Texas)

That back-to-back on Monday and Tuesday is going to be a real test of Steve Kerr’s rotation depth. We’ve seen him leaning more on the younger guys lately to keep Steph’s minutes manageable.

Looking Back at the Hornets Game

Just because they aren't playing today doesn't mean there isn't plenty to talk about. Last night’s game against Charlotte was a statement. The Warriors walked away with a 136-116 win.

Steph Curry looked like he was playing a different game than everyone else, dropping 22.6 points per game on average recently and showing no signs of slowing down. But the real story was the interior play. Charlotte was missing their bigs—no Mason Plumlee, no Moussa Diabate—and the Warriors absolutely exploited that.

Jimmy Butler, who has been a fascinating fit in this system since joining, put up nearly 18 points. It’s starting to feel like the "identity crisis" the team had early in the season is finally resolving itself.

The Health Status: Who is In and Who is Out?

You can't talk about the Warriors' chances without looking at the injury report. It's the NBA; someone is always banged up.

Currently, the core is looking solid. Steph is 100%. Draymond is available and doing Draymond things (mostly locking people down and yelling at the refs). Jimmy Butler is healthy.

The bench is where the hits are happening. Seth Curry is still dealing with that annoying sciatic nerve irritation. He’s missed 14 games now, and they really miss his floor spacing when the starters sit. Also, Gui Santos is nursing a left ankle sprain. It’s not a "sky is falling" situation, but the rotation is definitely thinner than Kerr would like for a back-to-back.

Why This Stretch Matters for the Standings

Right now, the Warriors are sitting at 23-19. That puts them roughly 8th in a Western Conference that is basically a meat grinder this year. Every single game counts.

If they can sweep this final bit of the home stand—beating Miami and Toronto—they could realistically jump into the 6th or 5th seed. Avoiding the Play-In Tournament is the name of the game. Nobody wants to be in a "win or go home" scenario in April if they can help it.

👉 See also: Why Wide Receivers for Steelers Always Spark Drama and Greatness

Watching the Game Tomorrow

Since you’ve got the night off today, you might want to make sure your streaming setup is ready for tomorrow’s MLK Day clash.

  • Local: NBC Sports Bay Area
  • National: Check for updates, as this is a marquee holiday slot.
  • Streaming: Peacock and Amazon Prime Video have been carrying more games this season.

Basically, enjoy your Sunday. Take a walk. Do some chores. Because starting tomorrow night, the Warriors are back in the thick of it with a schedule that doesn't let up until the All-Star break.

To get ready for tomorrow's tip-off against Miami, you should check your local listings or the Warriors' official app around 5:00 PM PT for the final starting lineup and any late-breaking injury updates regarding the bench rotation.


Actionable Next Steps:

  • Set a Reminder: Put a notification on your phone for 7:00 PM PT tomorrow (Jan 19) so you don't miss the Miami Heat matchup.
  • Check the Standings: Keep an eye on the Pelicans and Suns scores today; since the Warriors are idle, those games directly impact their position in the West.
  • Ticket Check: If you're in the Bay Area, tickets for Tuesday's game against Toronto are generally cheaper than the holiday game tomorrow if you're looking to catch them live at Chase Center.