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Kristaps Porzingis of the Golden State Warriors dunks the ball in the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on March 16, 2026 in Washington, DC.
The Golden State Warriors could be nearing a key lineup shift at a critical point in the season.
Kristaps Porziņģis may be in line for his first start with Golden State as soon as Wednesday night, when the Warriors face the Boston Celtics at TD Garden.
Head coach Steve Kerr signaled that possibility during his pregame media availability, reflecting growing confidence in Porziņģis’ conditioning and rhythm following his return.
“He’s ready to start,” Kerr said, according to ESPN’s Anthony Slater. “He may even start tonight.”
Porziņģis Trending Up After Breakout Performance
Porziņģis’ potential move into the starting lineup follows his most impactful outing since joining the Warriors.
The 30-year-old delivered 30 points in Monday’s 125-117 win over the Washington Wizards, adding five rebounds, four assists, three blocks and two steals in just 26 minutes.
It marked his second 30-point performance of the season and highlighted the versatile two-way presence Golden State envisioned when acquiring him.
His recent stretch has been particularly encouraging. Porziņģis has scored 17, 20 and 30 points over his last three games while playing between 20 and 26 minutes, an indication that his minutes restriction is steadily loosening.
After shootaround in Boston, Porziņģis expressed optimism about his recovery, telling reporters he is “feeling like myself again” and that his health is trending in a positive direction.
Warriors Evaluating Lineup Fit Alongside Curry
Golden State’s interest in elevating Porziņģis into a starting role is tied to a broader evaluation of how he complements Stephen Curry.
The Warriors acquired Porziņģis in a deal that ended Jonathan Kuminga’s tenure, signaling a shift toward a roster built around experienced, two-way contributors.
READ: Hawks Coach Reveals New Plan for Jonathan Kuminga Amid 10-Game Surge
General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. made it clear the move was about more than a short-term boost.
“We see him as more than a rental,” Dunleavy previously told ESPN. “We feel he can help our team this year, better our playoff position, and then moving forward fits what we are looking for.”
For Kerr and the coaching staff, the remaining games serve as an extended evaluation period — determining how Porziņģis can maximize lineups built around Curry’s gravity and playmaking.
But with Curry still out due to a lingering knee injury, the jury is still out on Porziņģis. But Kerr has been encouraged by the Latvian center’s recent performances when healthy.
Return to Boston Adds Layer of Intrigue
Wednesday’s matchup carries added meaning for Porziņģis as he returns to Boston to face his former team.
The Celtics remain one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference, making the game a valuable test for a Warriors squad still searching for consistency.
Golden State enters the contest coming off a win and looking to build momentum with 14 games remaining in the regular season.
Minutes Management Still in Focus
Despite his recent surge, the Warriors are expected to remain cautious with Porziņģis’ workload.
He played 26 minutes in Monday’s win — his highest total since joining the team — and Kerr has emphasized a gradual ramp-up process.
Still, the possibility of starting suggests that Porziņģis is approaching full integration.
His ability to stretch the floor, protect the rim and contribute as a secondary scorer gives Golden State a dimension it has lacked for stretches this season.
Playoff Picture Could Shift
If Porziņģis continues trending upward, his impact could reshape the Warriors’ outlook down the stretch.
Golden State has navigated inconsistency during periods without Curry, but a healthy and productive Porziņģis offers a potential secondary focal point capable of easing that burden.
For now, the focus turns to Boston — where Porziņģis could take another significant step in his return.
And for the Warriors, it may mark the beginning of a new lineup dynamic at a pivotal moment in their playoff push.
Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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