Who Do the Golden State Warriors Play Today? Looking at the Hornets Matchup

Who Do the Golden State Warriors Play Today? Looking at the Hornets Matchup

So, you're looking for the answer to who do the Golden State Warriors play today? Well, honestly, it’s a cross-country showdown. Tonight, Saturday, January 17, 2026, the Warriors are hosting the Charlotte Hornets at the Chase Center in San Francisco.

It’s an 8:30 p.m. ET tip-off, which means if you’re local in the Bay Area, you’re looking at a 5:30 p.m. PT start. Perfect timing for a Saturday night game.

The Matchup: Warriors vs. Hornets

The Warriors are walking into this one with a 23-19 record. They’ve been kinda hovering in that middle-of-the-pack Western Conference spot, currently sitting at 8th. But don't let the record fool you; they’ve actually been on a bit of a tear lately, winning seven of their last ten games. They just came off a solid 126-113 win against the New York Knicks a couple of days ago, so the vibes are pretty good in the locker room right now.

Charlotte, on the other hand, is struggling a bit at 15-26. They're basically trying to find some identity in the East. They’ve got talent—LaMelo Ball is always a threat to go off—but they haven't been able to string together enough wins to be taken seriously as a playoff threat just yet.

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Where to Watch the Game

If you’re trying to catch this live, you’ve got a few options:

  • Local TV: NBC Sports Bay Area (NBCS-BA) if you’re in the Golden State market.
  • Hornets Market: FanDuel Sports Network Southeast (FDSSE).
  • Streaming: Fubo is usually the go-to for the regional sports networks, or you can try Prime Video depending on your local blackout rules.

What’s the Vibe with the Warriors Right Now?

It’s weird to say, but Stephen Curry is still the engine. Even in 2026, the man is averaging about 22.6 points over his last 20 games. He isn't just shooting; he’s playing with this veteran poise that keeps the younger guys in line. Speaking of younger guys, Brandin Podziemski has really carved out a role for himself, averaging 11.3 points and being a general pest on defense.

And yeah, Jimmy Butler is here too. He joined the squad to give them that extra "edge" they felt they were missing. He’s been steady, giving them roughly 18 points a night. The starting lineup tonight is looking like:

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  1. Stephen Curry (PG)
  2. Moses Moody (SG)
  3. Jimmy Butler (SF)
  4. Draymond Green (PF)
  5. Quinten Post (C)

Draymond is still Draymond. He’s the defensive anchor. Honestly, without him, this team’s defensive rating would probably plummet.

Who Do the Golden State Warriors Play Today: The Injury Report

You can't talk about a game without checking the trainer's room. Luckily for Golden State, they’re mostly healthy.

  • Seth Curry: He’s out. He’s been dealing with a sciatic nerve issue (thigh area) and is missing his 15th straight game.
  • Gui Santos: Also out with an ankle problem.

The Hornets are missing Mason Plumlee (groin) and have Moussa Diabate listed as questionable with a hamstring. If Diabate can't go, Charlotte is going to be really thin in the paint, which might be a feast for Quinten Post and the Warriors' cutters.

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Keys to the Game

Charlotte plays fast. They’re 3rd in the league in three-pointers made, mostly thanks to Kon Knueppel and LaMelo Ball. If the Warriors don't close out on the perimeter, this could get messy. Knueppel is shooting 42.8% from deep this season. That’s elite.

Golden State is favored by about 6.5 to 7 points. They’re 11-9-1 against the spread at home, so they usually take care of business at the Chase Center. The over/under is sitting around 234.5. Both teams can score, but they both have these weird stretches where the offense just goes cold for five minutes at a time.

Why This Game Matters

Even though it's "just" Charlotte, the Western Conference is a bloodbath. One loss can drop you from 8th to 11th in a weekend. For the Warriors, these home games against sub-.500 teams are non-negotiable wins if they want to avoid the Play-In Tournament.

Final Thoughts for Fans

If you're heading to the arena, expect a high-scoring affair. The Warriors have won 14 of 18 home games when they come in as the favorite, so the odds are in your favor.

To stay updated before tip-off, keep an eye on the official NBA injury report about 30 minutes before the game starts. It’s also worth checking out the latest betting lines if you’re into that, as the spread has been wiggling between 6.5 and 7.5 all morning. Ensure your streaming login for NBC Sports Bay Area or Fubo is ready at least ten minutes early—you don't want to miss the opening Curry flurry.