The Golden State Warriors’s push toward postseason stability just hit a speed bump — and time is running out. Since acquiring Jimmy Butler III on February 6, the Warriors looked like a team reborn, stringing together wins and building momentum at the perfect time.
But a crushing defeat on Wednesday night (114-111), April 9, at the hands of the San Antonio Spurs, sealed by Harrison Barnes’s three-pointer, halted their surge. Now as they get ready to take on the Portland Trail Blazers tonight, April 11, let’s take a look at the latest injury updates and projected lineup ahead of this critical clash.
Status of the Warriors Squad vs. Trail Blazers
Now sitting in sixth place with a 47-33 record, Golden State is clinging to its top-six spot. The stakes couldn’t be higher as they face the 12th-seeded Portland Trail Blazers. The mission is clear: avoid the NBA Play-In Tournament and secure a guaranteed playoff berth. But do they have the required players to clinch the victory tonight?
According to ESPN’s latest injury report, guard Gary Payton II and forward Quinten Post have both been listed as questionable heading into the matchup with Portland. They both have missed their last two games. Post is questionable due to an illness, whereas Payton II is questionable for knee issues.
Quinten Post and Gary Payton II are questionable for Warriors tomorrow night. Deni Avdija is doubtful for the Blazers. Scoot Henderson, Anfernee Simons, Jerami Grant and Deandre Ayton are out. Warriors facing depleted Portland team.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) April 11, 2025
“We’re hopeful. They’re both on the trip and we’re hopeful that they will play,” said Warriors’s head coach Steve Kerr.
The squad will heavily depend on players like Stephen Curry, who is averaging 24.5 points per game (ppg) and 6.0 assists per game (apg), and also on Butler III, who is averaging 17.3 ppg and 5.8 apg for the Warriors. Their playoff experience and ability to take over games late will be vital in the Warriors’s push attempt.
Now let’s have a look at the condition of the Trail Blazers squad.
Status of the Trail Blazers Squad vs. Warriors
The Trail Blazers, currently 12th in the Western Conference with a 35-45 record, are out of playoff contention. Despite this, they aim to challenge the Golden State Warriors in their final regular-season game. However, with a depleted roster, this will be a formidable task. [Fact check needed: Verify Trail Blazers’ current standing.]
According to the latest injury reports, the Trail Blazers are missing several key players:
- Deandre Ayton (C) – Out (Calf Issues)
- Jerami Grant (SF) – Out (Knee Issues)
- Anfernee Simons (SG) – Out (Forearm issues)
- Scoot Henderson (G) – Out (Concussion)
- Deni Avdija (SF) – Questionable (Thumb issues)
- Shaedon Sharpe (SG) – Questionable (Right Knee soreness)
- Bryce McGowens (G) – Out (Rib Fracture)
- Robert Williams III (C) – Out (Left knee issue)
In this challenging scenario, the Trail Blazers will rely heavily on Toumani Camara, who is averaging 11.3 points per game.
Warriors vs. Trail Blazers: Projected Lineups for Friday’s Matchup
With a severely depleted squad, it’s expected that Stephen Curry and Butler III will have little trouble clinching a win for Golden State.
Golden State Warriors
- PG: Stephen Curry
- SG: Brandin Podziemski
- SF: Moses Moody
- PF: Jimmy Butler III
- C: Draymond Green
Portland Trail Blazers
- PG: Dalano Banton
- SG: Shaedon Sharpe (If he plays, otherwise Matisse Thybulle)
- SF: Deni Avdija (If he plays, otherwise Kris Murray)
- PF: Toumani Camara
- C: Donovan Clingan
Despite the Trail Blazers’ short-handed roster, Friday’s game is still expected to bring energy and excitement. With the pace and firepower of Golden State, combined with Portland’s hungry role players fighting for future roster spots, fans can expect a high-tempo, entertaining matchup.