Al Horford is trending toward a return to play for the Golden State Warriors.
Speaking pregame Monday night before his team played the Orlando Magic at Chase Center, head coach Steve Kerr said the 19-year center could play Thursday against the Dallas Mavericks. Sciatica has kept Horford from playing in 11 of Golden State’s last 12 games (including Monday night’s) and the timetable Kerr suggested tracks with Horford’s Thursday estimation.
“Probably a week,” he guessed after shoot-around last Thursday at Phoenix’s Mortgage Matchup Center. “It’s good to get on the court a few consecutive days in a row and feel good and continue to make progress.”
Signed two a two-year, $11.7-million deal that includes a player option for 2026-27, Horford has been limited to 13 games in 2025-26. His averages of 5.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 32.1% shooting and 29.8% 3-point shooting represent career lows, but there’s optimism he’ll find his form whenever he rejoins Golden State’s rotation.
“He’s been playing in the league a long time,” Kerr said in Phoenix. “He’s got the ability to step on the floor after an absence and immediately know what he’s doing and help the team win.”
“He’s definitely doing well and he’s kind of been on the 20-minute limit and that’s kind of where he is in the rotation anyway,” Kerr said.
Melton is averaging 6.7 points, 2.2 assists and 1.7 steals and hasn’t yet found his shooting form, making 28.6% of his shots and 13.6% from three. If he’s rolling and a situation calls for more than 20 minutes for Melton, Kerr said vice president of player health and performance Rick Celebrini greenlit a few more.
“He’s probably going to continue to play in the range that he’s playing,” Kerr said.
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