The Golden State Warriors will have a different starting lineup when they face the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 13. Center Kristaps Porzingis is set to make his first start for the Warriors, replacing Draymond Green, who has been ruled out with a back injury.
Head coach Steve Kerr confirmed that Porzingis will start the game but will play on a flexible minutes restriction of around 20 minutes. The move comes as Golden State deals with multiple injuries in its roster.
Warriors Adjust Lineup After Draymond Green Injury
Draymond Green’s absence forced the Warriors to adjust their frontcourt rotation. Green was listed as out because of lower back soreness, creating an opportunity for Porzingis to step into the starting lineup.
| Warriors Injury Report | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Draymond Green | Out | Lower back soreness |
| Kristaps Porzingis | Starting | Approx. 20-minute limit |
| Stephen Curry | Out | Knee inflammation |
| Moses Moody | Out | Wrist injury |
| Quinten Post | Questionable | Foot issue |
| De’Anthony Melton | Questionable | Thigh/adductor injury |
With several key players unavailable, the Warriors will rely on Porzingis to provide scoring, rim protection and floor spacing.
Porzingis’ Early Performances With Golden State
Kristaps Porzingis joined the Warriors recently and has already made an impact in limited minutes. Across his first three appearances, the 7-foot-3 center has produced solid numbers despite playing a controlled role.
| Games | Minutes | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Blocks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 20.0 | 12.7 | 3.3 | 2.7 | 2.0 |
His ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim gives Golden State an important option while several regular starters are unavailable.
Porzingis’ versatility allows him to play both inside and outside, which fits the Warriors’ offensive system that emphasizes spacing and ball movement.
Also see: Jaylen Wells Injury Update: Grizzlies Guard Ruled Out vs Pistons with Shoulder Contusion
Warriors vs Timberwolves Game Details
The matchup between the Warriors and Timberwolves is important for Golden State’s postseason hopes.
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Warriors vs Timberwolves | March 13, 2026 | Chase Center |
Golden State enters the game with a 32-33 record, trying to stay in the Western Conference play-in race. Minnesota, meanwhile, arrives with a stronger 40-26 record, making the game a difficult challenge for the Warriors.
Minnesota Injury Report
Minnesota also has a few injury concerns heading into the game.
| Timberwolves Injury Report | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Leonard Miller | Questionable | Back |
| Terrence Shannon Jr. | Out | Foot |
Despite these issues, Minnesota is largely healthy compared to the Warriors.
What Porzingis’ Start Means for Golden State
With Draymond Green and Stephen Curry unavailable, the Warriors must rely on other players to carry a larger share of responsibility. Porzingis’ size and shooting ability could help Golden State balance its lineup.
His role will likely include:
- Stretching the floor with perimeter shooting
- Providing rim protection on defense
- Creating scoring opportunities in pick-and-pop situations
However, the 20-minute restriction means the Warriors will need strong contributions from the rest of their rotation as well.
Also Read: Kelvin Sampson Leads Houston Into Big 12 Semifinal vs Kansas – Coaching Legacy and Latest Updates
Warriors Looking for Momentum
Golden State is fighting to stay competitive in the playoff race. Injuries have forced the team to experiment with different lineups, and Porzingis’ start represents one of the biggest adjustments.
If the veteran big man performs well in his limited minutes, it could give the Warriors an important boost against a strong Minnesota team.
