The Golden State Warriors are in a weird spot right now. Honestly, if you’re a fan, you’ve probably spent the last week oscillating between "we're back" and "why is the rotation so messy?" It’s the classic 2025-26 experience. After a solid win against the Knicks on January 15, everyone is asking the same thing: who do Golden State Warriors play next?
The answer is the Charlotte Hornets. They’re coming to the Chase Center tonight, Saturday, January 17, with tip-off set for 5:30 PM PT (8:30 PM ET).
If you're looking for a "get right" game, this is basically it on paper. The Hornets are sitting at 14-26, while the Warriors are hovering at 23-19, fighting to keep their heads above water in a brutal Western Conference where the 8th seed feels like a treadmill that won't stop.
Breaking Down the Warriors vs Hornets Matchup
This isn't just a random game in the middle of January. It’s the start of a critical home stretch. Charlotte is struggling, but they play a fast, chaotic brand of basketball led by LaMelo Ball. If the Warriors come out sleepy—which, let's be real, happens more than we'd like—they could easily get caught in a track meet they don't want.
✨ Don't miss: The Notre Dame Texas A\&M Rivalry: Why This Game Actually Matters
Steph Curry is coming off a massive bounce-back against New York. He looks fresh, but the supporting cast is still a bit of a question mark. Brandin Podziemski has been high-energy, though his shooting has been streaky. Draymond Green remains the defensive anchor, though his technical foul count is already creeping up into the "danger zone" for later in the season.
One thing to watch? The injury report. Seth Curry is officially out for the Warriors with a thigh issue, which sucks because watching the Curry brothers go at it is always a highlight. Gui Santos is also out with an ankle sprain. On the Charlotte side, they're missing Mason Plumlee, and Moussa Diabate is a game-time decision.
The Upcoming January Slate
After the Hornets, the schedule doesn't get any easier. The Warriors are staying at home for a couple more before hitting the road. Here is the immediate path forward:
🔗 Read more: The Malice at the Palace: What We Still Get Wrong 20 Years Later
- January 19 (Monday): Miami Heat at Chase Center. 7:00 PM PT. This is always a grind. Erik Spoelstra usually has something nasty cooked up for the Warriors' motion offense.
- January 20 (Tuesday): Toronto Raptors at Chase Center. 7:00 PM PT. A back-to-back at home. These are the games where Steve Kerr’s depth—or lack thereof—really gets exposed.
- January 22 (Thursday): At Dallas Mavericks. 6:30 PM PT. The road trip starts with a nightmare matchup against Luka Doncic.
Who Do Golden State Warriors Play Next and Why It Matters for the Standings
Right now, the Warriors are 8th in the West. That’s Play-In Tournament territory. Nobody wants to be there. The gap between the 4th seed and the 10th seed is thinner than a piece of paper. If they drop this game to Charlotte, it’s a disaster for their tiebreaker math and general momentum.
Kinda feels like the team is waiting for a trade, doesn't it? Mike Dunleavy Jr. has been quiet, but the rumors about a potential move for a second scoring option—someone like Jimmy Butler, who has actually been playing well since joining—have kept the fanbase on edge. Speaking of Butler, he’s been a stabilizer. He’s averaging 20.1 points and nearly 5 assists, taking a lot of the playmaking load off Steph's shoulders.
The Defensive Identity Crisis
The Warriors are currently 8th in the league in defensive rating. That sounds good, but if you watch the games, you've seen the lapses. They’re allowing way too many open corner threes. Against a team like Charlotte, which ranks 3rd in the NBA in three-pointers made per game, those lapses will be fatal.
📖 Related: Why the Jordan Burroughs World Team Trials Performance Was More Than Just a Comeback
Actionable Strategy for Warriors Fans
If you're heading to the game or watching from the couch, here is how you should actually track this team's progress over the next week:
- Watch the First Quarter Point Differential: The Warriors have a nasty habit of falling behind by 10 early. If they lead the Hornets by 5+ after the first, they usually coast. If they're trailing, expect a stressful night.
- Monitor Trayce Jackson-Davis' Minutes: He’s been the X-factor. When he plays 20+ minutes, the rim protection is night-and-day better.
- Check the 3-Point Percentage: They live and die by the arc. They’re 1st in the league in 3-point distribution. If they aren't hitting at least 36% as a team, the offense stalls completely because nobody is afraid of the drive.
Keep an eye on the Dallas game on the 22nd. That’s the real litmus test for whether this team can actually compete with the elite in the West or if we’re just looking at another first-round exit. For tonight, just enjoy the Steph show at Chase Center and hope the defense holds up.