Checking the schedule to see who is golden state warriors playing today has become a bit of a morning ritual for Dubs fans, especially with how tight the Western Conference standings look right now. It's Friday, January 16, 2026, and if you’re looking for a tip-off tonight, you might actually want to save your energy for tomorrow.
The Warriors just wrapped up a massive home game against the New York Knicks last night, January 15, walking away with a 126-113 victory. Honestly, it was a clinic. Steph Curry was doing Steph things, and the defense actually looked locked in for all four quarters. Because they played late Thursday night, the Warriors have no game scheduled for today, Friday, January 16.
They aren't traveling, though. They're staying right here in San Francisco.
The Next Matchup: Warriors vs. Hornets
Since there's no game tonight, your next chance to catch them is Saturday, January 17. The Charlotte Hornets are coming to town. Tip-off is set for 5:30 PM PT at Chase Center.
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It’s an interesting matchup because, on paper, Golden State should handle it. But the Hornets have Brandon Miller playing some lights-out basketball lately. Plus, you’ve got the whole "Curry family" narrative every time Charlotte is involved, even though Seth Curry is currently sidelined with that nagging sciatic nerve issue.
- Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
- Time: 5:30 PM PT / 8:30 PM ET
- Location: Chase Center, San Francisco
- Broadcast: NBC Sports Bay Area (Local) / NBA League Pass
Jimmy Butler has been a fascinating fit since he joined the squad. He brings that "grit" everyone said the team lacked. Watching him and Draymond Green orchestrate the defense is basically like watching a chess match where both players are allowed to yell at the referee. It’s chaotic. It’s loud. It’s working.
Why Tonight’s Break Matters
The Warriors are currently sitting at 22-19, hovering around that 8th spot in the West. It’s a bit of a dogfight. The Lakers and Suns are just a couple of games ahead, and the Clippers are surging. This Friday break is basically a "recovery day" to get the legs fresh for a back-to-back coming up next week.
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One thing that’s been hovering over the team today isn't actually a game, but the trade rumors. You've probably seen the headlines about Jonathan Kuminga. Reports came out yesterday that he’s officially requested a trade. It’s tough. He’s got so much upside, but the rotation is crowded, and he hasn’t been seeing the minutes he wants. While the team isn't playing today, the front office is likely very busy on the phones.
Watching the Standings
If you’re bored tonight and still want to scout the competition, there are a few other games that actually impact the Warriors' life in the Pacific Division.
- Suns vs. Pistons: A Suns loss helps the Warriors climb.
- Mavericks vs. Jazz: Dallas is a direct threat in the middle of the playoff pack.
- Spurs vs. Bucks: Always good to see what Wemby is doing, even if it doesn't hit the standings directly.
Basically, the Warriors are in a "wait and see" mode today. They’ve gone 6-4 in their last ten games. That’s decent, but not dominant. They need to string together some wins against teams like Charlotte and Miami (who they play on Monday) to really solidify a top-six seed and avoid that dreaded play-in tournament.
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Actionable Fan Guide for This Weekend
If you’re planning on heading to the game tomorrow or just watching from the couch, here’s the move.
Check the injury report about two hours before tip-off on Saturday. While Steph is healthy, Gui Santos rolled an ankle in the Knicks game and is likely going to be out. That means more minutes for Brandin Podziemski or maybe even a longer look at Moses Moody, who has been surprisingly efficient lately.
If you're buying tickets, Saturday games at Chase are usually pricey, but since it's an Eastern Conference opponent like Charlotte, you might find some "get-in" deals under $100 on the secondary markets if you wait until Saturday morning.
Keep an eye on the Kuminga situation. If he’s a "DNP - Coach's Decision" again on Saturday, you can bet those trade talks are heating up.
Enjoy the night off from the stress of a fourth-quarter lead potentially evaporating. We'll be back at it tomorrow night.