Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) and guard Stephen Curry (30) share a laugh (Image via Imagn) The Charlotte Hornets will play the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on January 17, 2026. Like every other, we can expect the injuries to decide the game progresses tonight. It will be interesting to see how both teams go into the game. Lineups and minutes are likely to shift as coaches work around those absences.Charlotte’s concerns are centered in the frontcourt, while Golden State is dealing with reduced depth off the bench. Those gaps are likely to shape matchups and decision-making throughout the game.
Charlotte Hornets Injury Situation vs Golden State Warriors (January 17, 2026)
The Hornets remain without Mason Plumlee, who is still recovering from right groin surgery announced on December 31, 2025. He is not scheduled for reevaluation until around February 11, 2026. His continued absence left Charlotte short on size and interior presence against Golden State’s mobile bigs.That problem grows larger with Moussa Diabate also ruled out due to a right hamstring strain, after earlier reports mentioned hip soreness. Diabate had been one of Charlotte Hornets’ steadier contributors, averaging 8.2 points and 8.4 rebounds. Losing him further stretched a team already sitting at 15-26 and struggling to control the paint.Collin Sexton is listed as probable with hamstring tightness. His availability matters as Charlotte needs extra scoring and ball handling to offset its lack of frontcourt depth and ease the load on its primary scorers.
Golden State Warriors Injury Situation vs San Antonio Spurs (January 17, 2026)
Golden State Warriors enter the game without Seth Curry, who was sidelined with left sciatic nerve irritation. His absence reduces shooting options off the bench and limits spacing when the starters rested.Gui Santos will also miss the game after a left ankle sprain, trimming the Warriors’ wing rotation. Even with these losses, Golden State are expected avoid major setbacks among its core players. Stephen Curry is cleared to play and came in averaging 22.6 points per game, remaining the focal point of the offense for a team holding a 23-19 record.
Charlotte Hornets vs Golden State Warriors Game Impact and Matchup Outlook
Charlotte’s thin frontcourt means more minutes for role players, which opened the door for Golden State to push the tempo and attack mismatches. Jimmy Butler III continued to benefit from those situations, producing 17.7 points per game this season.Golden State entered as a 6.5-point home favorite, with the total set at 234.5. For Charlotte to stay close, perimeter scoring had to carry the load. LaMelo Ball, averaging 18.4 points and 5.9 assists, and Miles Bridges, posting 16.5 points and 6.6 rebounds, needed strong shooting nights to compensate for the missing size inside. Injuries, more than star power, defined how this matchup unfolded.