The Chase Center is going to be quiet tonight. Honestly, if you're looking for the live box score or wondering why the TV broadcast isn't starting, there's a simple reason. The Golden State Warriors aren't playing.
After a dominant 136-116 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night, Steve Kerr’s squad is officially in recovery mode. People often get confused with the back-to-back schedules, but tonight, January 18, 2026, is a designated rest day before they host the Miami Heat on Monday.
But don't check out just yet.
While there aren't live stats for tonight's warriors game, the numbers coming out of Saturday's blowout tell a wild story about where this team is heading. This isn't the same roster from three years ago. We’re seeing a weird, beautiful mix of the old guard and some new faces like Jimmy Butler III and Al Horford that have completely shifted the analytical profile of this team.
The Historic Shooting Streak Nobody Is Talking About
Saturday night was historic. You might have missed it between the highlight dunks, but the Warriors did something no team has done since the three-point line was invented in 1979.
They’ve now had at least 10 different players make a three-pointer in three consecutive games.
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Think about that.
It’s not just Steph Curry and Buddy Hield doing the heavy lifting anymore. Against the Hornets, the Warriors moved the ball so well that eight different players scored in double figures. De'Anthony Melton led the charge with a season-high 24 points off the bench. When your bench is outscoring some teams' starting lineups, you’re in a good spot.
Key Saturday Night Stats:
- Total Points: 136
- Three-Pointers: 23-of-52 (44.2%)
- Leading Scorer: De'Anthony Melton (24 pts)
- The Draymond Factor: 20 points, showing a scoring aggression we haven't seen in years.
Where the Warriors Stand in the West
The Western Conference is a bloodbath right now.
Currently, Golden State sits at 24-19. That puts them 8th in the West, which sounds lower than fans would like, but they are only a few games back from the 5th-seeded Rockets. They’ve won three in a row at the Chase Center, turning their home court back into that fortress it used to be.
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They’re scoring 115.8 points per game, which is actually only 19th in the league. That’s the "surprising" part. Usually, you think of the Warriors as this offensive juggernaut, but their defense is actually what’s keeping them afloat. They rank 8th in defensive rating. Having Al Horford and Draymond Green on the floor together is basically like having two defensive coordinators playing at the same time.
The Jimmy Butler Absence
One of the biggest questions fans had during the Hornets game was: "Where is Jimmy Butler?"
He warmed up. He looked ready. Then, he just didn't come out of the locker room. The team later announced it was for personal reasons. While the Warriors proved they could win big without him on Saturday, they’ll need him for the Miami matchup on Monday.
Butler has been averaging 20.1 points and 4.9 assists this season. He’s the "adult in the room" when Steph sits. Without him, the offensive flow becomes a bit more chaotic, relying heavily on Brandin Podziemski to facilitate. Podziemski had 16 points and was a +15 on the floor Saturday, proving he’s ready for more responsibility, but you can't replace a veteran like Jimmy long-term.
Current Injury Outlook
- Jimmy Butler III: Day-to-day (Personal). Expect an update tomorrow morning.
- Gui Santos: Out (Ankle). He likely won't be back until late January.
- Seth Curry: Out (Sciatic nerve). He's been sidelined for a while, and the bench misses his spacing.
Why the Monday Game vs. Miami Matters
Since there are no stats for tonight's warriors game to track, all eyes move to Monday's showdown with the Heat. Miami is sitting at 22-20, fighting for their lives in the Eastern Conference play-in race.
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This is a "clash of cultures" game.
The Warriors want to run and shoot 50 threes. The Heat want to grind the game into a halt and win 98-95. Golden State is 16-6 at home this season. If they want to climb out of that 8th seed and avoid the Play-In Tournament, they have to sweep this homestand.
What to watch for:
The matchup between Draymond Green and Bam Adebayo. Both are elite defenders who can pass like point guards. It’s going to be a chess match. Also, watch the minutes for Al Horford. At 39 years old, the Warriors have been careful with him, but his ability to stretch the floor (hitting 11 points on Saturday) is vital for the second unit's success.
Actionable Steps for Warriors Fans
If you were planning on watching a game tonight, use this time to catch up on the standings and prep for the week ahead.
- Check the West Standings: Keep an eye on the Lakers and Suns. They are neck-and-neck with the Warriors, and every loss they take tonight helps Golden State's seeding.
- Set Your Lineup: If you play fantasy, Melton is a must-add if he's still on your waiver wire after that 24-point performance.
- Monday Prep: Clear your schedule for 7:00 PM PT tomorrow. The Heat vs. Warriors game is going to be a physical test of whether this Golden State win streak is for real or just a product of playing a struggling Hornets team.
The Warriors are finally healthy (mostly) and finding an identity that doesn't just rely on Steph Curry hitting 40-footers. They are deep, they are defensive-minded, and they are starting to look dangerous again.