Porzingis to Miss Warriors' NBA Season Opener

Latvian basketball player Kristaps Porzingis will not play in the Golden State Warriors' first game of the new NBA season. The NBA is North America's professional basketball league. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said Porzingis will not travel with the team to the season-opening away game against the Los Angeles Lakers. The game takes place overnight into Thursday, Latvian time.

Health problems continue

Porzingis had already been dealing with health problems: he missed the team's training camp in Hawaii and every preseason game. Last week he arrived at the club's training facility, but no detailed information about his condition has been released. It is also unknown when he will be able to return to the lineup fully.

In late June, Porzingis agreed with the Warriors on a two-year contract extension.

Other players

Kerr announced that team leader Stephen Curry will be available for the opener, even though he injured his right ankle in training on Sunday. The status of Brandin Podziemski is unclear: he strained his lower back on Sunday and did not take part in training on Monday. The Warriors will also begin the season without Moses Moody and Jimmy Butler, who are both recovering from long-term injuries.

Last season

Last season the Warriors finished tenth in the Western Conference with a 37-45 record and reached the play-in, an additional qualifying tournament. In the deciding game for a playoff spot, they lost to the Phoenix Suns.

Start of the season

The new NBA season begins with three games. The Detroit Pistons host the Boston Celtics, reigning champions the New York Knicks welcome the Philadelphia 76ers, and the San Antonio Spurs face the Oklahoma City Thunder, last season's Western Conference finalists.