Warriors’ Moses Moody Faces Calf Injury Setback Ahead of Key Season
Golden State Warriors guard Moses Moody, who has been positioning himself for a potential starting role this season, has suffered a calf injury that raises some concern for the team’s rotation plans. According to Anthony Slater of ESPN, while head coach Steve Kerr initially described the injury as “minor,” the team is taking no chances and scheduled an MRI for Moody on Saturday to determine the exact nature and severity of the condition. This precautionary approach reflects both Moody’s importance to the team’s plans and the Warriors’ general cautiousness with player health as the regular season approaches.
The timing of this injury is particularly unfortunate for Moody, who has been making a strong case for expanded minutes in the Warriors’ rotation. With the team undergoing significant changes this offseason—most notably the addition of star Jimmy Butler—opportunities have opened up for younger players like Moody to step into larger roles. The fourth-year guard has shown promising development throughout his time with Golden State, and the coaching staff has reportedly been impressed with his preseason performance thus far. This injury, even if ultimately minor, interrupts valuable preparation time as Moody works to cement his position in what could be a breakout season for the former lottery pick.
As a result of the injury, Moody has already been ruled out for the Warriors’ upcoming preseason rematch against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. He’ll join several high-profile teammates on the sidelines, including superstar Stephen Curry, newly acquired Jimmy Butler, and veteran Al Horford, all of whom are being rested as part of the team’s preseason management strategy. The Warriors had previously defeated the Lakers 111-103 in their first preseason matchup in San Francisco last week, though Los Angeles was missing several key players of their own in that contest, including Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Marcus Smart.
The Lakers will have a somewhat strengthened lineup for Sunday’s rematch, with Reaves and Smart expected to return to action. However, they’ll still be without their biggest stars, as LeBron James continues to recover from a right-side sciatica injury that will reportedly keep him sidelined through the start of the regular season. Doncic’s status remains unclear, but the preseason nature of the contest means both teams are likely to prioritize player health over competitive concerns. This creates an opportunity for role players and young talents on both sides to showcase their abilities in extended minutes against NBA competition.
For the Warriors specifically, Moody’s absence provides additional evaluation opportunities for other wing players competing for rotation minutes. Golden State’s revamped roster features significant depth on the perimeter, with veterans like Buddy Hield joining a mix that already includes Andrew Wiggins, Brandin Podziemski, and others fighting for playing time. Coach Kerr will likely use Sunday’s game to further assess these options while hoping for positive news regarding Moody’s calf injury. The Warriors’ approach to Moody’s development has been patient and methodical, but this season represents a potential inflection point where the 22-year-old could translate his promising flashes into consistent production.
As the Warriors navigate the final weeks of preseason preparation, Moody’s injury status will be worth monitoring closely. If the MRI results confirm Kerr’s initial assessment of a minor injury, Moody could return to action quickly and resume his push for a significant role. However, even a short absence during this critical preparation period could impact rotation decisions to begin the regular season. For a Warriors team looking to blend veteran stars with developing young talent, having all hands available during training camp and preseason is particularly valuable. The organization’s response to Moody’s injury situation will provide insight into just how significant they view his role in their plans for the upcoming campaign.
