The Golden State Warriors are facing an uphill battle as they start the 2026-27 season with a litany of injuries to key players.

ESPN's Anthony Slater provided some insight on Warriors wings Jimmy Butler III and Moses Moody, both of whom suffered serious knee injuries late last season. Slater noted that both players are expected to remain "out until around January," but team sources said that "Moody is slightly further ahead in his rehab timeline than Butler."

In addition to missing Butler and Moody, veteran center Kristaps Porzingis is also sidelined indefinitely with "a private health issue." That makes three of the team's five highest-paid players, at a combined $89 million, unavailable to start the year for Golden State.

The Warriors also faced an injury scare when star guard Stephen Curry tweaked his ankle in Sunday night's open practice, but head coach Steve Kerr said he's "fine."

It appears that Golden State could be on the verge of a down year if the team's key players struggle to stay healthy. The Warriors will open the season on Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Lakers.