Porziņģis leaves with back issue
Kristaps Porziņģis exited Golden State’s loss to the Pistons early with a back injury and gave a postgame update after the March 20 contest — the situation is being monitored closely ahead of the stretch run ( ). With seeding scenarios tight, any extended absence would meaningfully reshape potential first‑round matchups (cbssports.com).
Porziņģis left at the 4:54 mark of the second quarter after a pair of bumps with Jalen Duren, grabbed his lower back, walked slowly to the locker room with trainer Drew Yoder and was ruled out after halftime. (espn.com) He described the issue as lower‑back spasms, saying the area tightened in the first quarter and that he would “probably” miss Saturday’s reunion game in Atlanta. (espn.com) Before the setback he had been on a 26‑minute limit, had played six of the Warriors’ previous eight games and scored 11, 17, 20 and 30 points in four recent outings as he tried to ramp up. (espn.com) Friday’s 115–101 loss left Golden State 33–37 on the season, meaning 12 regular‑season games remain on the NBA’s 82‑game schedule that ends April 12, 2026. (espn.com) The NBA’s current play‑in mapping shows the Warriors slotted in the 9‑10 game against Portland; the 9‑10 winner meets the loser of the 7‑8 game for the final Western Conference playoff berth. (nba.com) Golden State’s game recap noted the team is monitoring the back issue during a stretch that includes back‑to‑backs (Detroit then Atlanta), and the club has not announced additional imaging or a longer‑term timeline. (nba.com)
