Wait, did you catch the end of that Knicks game? Honestly, the way Jimmy Butler has integrated into this Golden State system is something nobody really saw coming a year ago. It's Friday, January 16, 2026, and if you’re looking for the Dubs on your TV tonight, you can actually take a breather. After a high-energy win last night at Chase Center, the Warriors are officially off today.
They just finished dismantleing the New York Knicks 126–113. It was a statement win. Steph Curry was out there carving up the defense like it was 2016 all over again, finishing with a double-double that made the "he’s too old" crowd go quiet for a few hours. But the NBA schedule is a grind, and they don't stay idle for long.
The next matchup: Charlotte comes to town
The answer to who are the Golden State Warriors playing next is the Charlotte Hornets. Mark your calendars for Saturday, January 17. This isn't just another regular-season game; it’s the continuation of a crucial home stand that could determine if they stay out of the play-in tournament mess.
The Hornets have been surprisingly scrappy lately. They just pulled off an upset against Luka Dončić and the Lakers last night—a result that actually helped the Warriors in the Western Conference standings. Golden State is currently sitting at 23–19. They’re eighth in the West. It’s crowded. Every game feels like a playoff preview because, frankly, in the West, it basically is.
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Game Details for Saturday
- Opponent: Charlotte Hornets
- Venue: Chase Center, San Francisco
- Tip-off: 5:30 PM PST
- Where to Watch: NBC Sports Bay Area (locally) or NBA League Pass
Why this stretch of the schedule matters
Look, we’ve gotta talk about the "Jimmy Butler effect." Since the trade, the Warriors have shifted from a "shoot-first-and-pray-the-defense-holds" team to a much more balanced unit. Butler’s 16 points and defensive grit against the Knicks showed why they made the move. He’s the secondary creator they desperately needed.
The Warriors are 15–6 at home this season. Chase Center has finally started feeling like the old Oracle Arena. The crowd is loud, the "night-night" celebrations are frequent, and the team is holding opponents to around 113 points per game. That’s elite in today’s NBA.
After the Hornets, things get even more interesting.
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The Heat visit on Monday, followed by the Raptors on Tuesday. That’s a back-to-back. Those are the types of games where Steve Kerr usually starts tinkering with the rotations. You’ve gotta keep an eye on the injury report for those. Speaking of which, Seth Curry is still sidelined with that sciatic nerve issue, and Jonathan Kuminga is fighting off an illness. It’s a "next man up" vibe right now.
Who are the Golden State Warriors playing through the rest of January?
If you’re planning a trip to the city or just trying to manage your DVR, the end of the month is a gauntlet. They head out on a road trip that starts in Dallas on January 22. Dealing with the Mavs is never easy, especially with how they’re playing this year.
Then they have a weird double-header in Minnesota. Playing the Timberwolves twice in three days (Jan 24 and Jan 26) is going to be a massive test for Draymond Green. We all know the history there. The physicality is going to be through the roof.
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Upcoming Schedule at a Glance
- Jan 17: vs. Charlotte Hornets (Home)
- Jan 19: vs. Miami Heat (Home)
- Jan 20: vs. Toronto Raptors (Home)
- Jan 22: @ Dallas Mavericks (Away)
- Jan 24: @ Minnesota Timberwolves (Away)
What to watch for in the coming games
You should really keep an eye on Moses Moody. He’s been a revelation lately. In the Knicks game, he actually moved past Mike Dunleavy for 12th place in franchise history for three-pointers made. That’s wild when you think about it. The "Young Dubs" aren't so young anymore; they are the core rotation.
Also, watch the Draymond-Quinten Post dynamic. Having a rookie center like Post allows Draymond to roam more on defense. It’s a tactical shift that has boosted their defensive rating into the top ten.
The goal for the rest of January is simple: win the home games. If they can go 3–0 against Charlotte, Miami, and Toronto, they’ll head into that Dallas/Minnesota road trip with a ton of momentum.
To stay updated, make sure you check the official NBA injury report about two hours before tip-off on Saturday. Rosters are fluid, and with the way this season is going, a "game-time decision" can change the entire betting line and strategy. Watch the waiver wire if you're into fantasy, too—Moses Moody is still under-rostered in most leagues despite his recent surge.