Brandon Williams will miss at least a week for the Golden State Warriors after straining his left hamstring during Monday night’s 138-87 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, the team announced Tuesday.
Williams entered late in the first quarter and burst to the rim for two quick layups. He came up hobbled on the second, however, and limped to the locker room after only 99 seconds of action. The Warriors soon announced that Williams was out with a hamstring issue and scheduled him for an MRI. The results revealed a mild strain and ruled him out for the team’s difficult upcoming road trip to Houston, San Antonio, New Orleans, Dallas and Memphis.
A Bench Spark Sidelined
Williams has provided an immediate lift off the bench in his first season with Golden State. He is averaging 10.4 points and 2.3 assists in just 16.4 minutes per game, giving the Warriors scoring punch whenever Stephen Curry rests. Williams has scored 17 and 20 points in the two games Curry missed this season, including a win over the LA Clippers during the Warriors’ current eight-game win streak.
Left hamstring problems have also followed Williams early in his NBA career. He strained the same hamstring during the 2025 preseason while with Dallas, and it later sidelined him for time last March when he dealt with tightness.
Depleted Roster Despite Strong Start
The Warriors are surging at 8-3, but they are significantly depleted. Starting wings Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody are rehabbing serious knee injuries. Projected starting center Kristaps Porzingis has stepped away from basketball entirely. Over the weekend, Golden State also lost backup guard Will Richard to a UCL tear in his left thumb.
Richard has been upgraded to questionable for the Warriors’ game in Houston on Wednesday night. He has explored the feasibility of wearing a splint on his left thumb and playing through the injury. Gary Payton II is out with left knee inflammation.