The NBA Cup begins on Friday for the Golden State Warriors as they host the Los Angeles Lakers. The game tips off at 10 PM ET and will air on Amazon Prime Video.

After losing their first three games of the season, the Warriors have won two straight, picking up wins over the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves. They played four of their first five gams on the road, and now begin a six-game home stand on Friday.

The Lakers bounced back from a loss against the Portland Trail Blazers to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers in their last season. They are 4-1 on the season. This contest concludes three out of four games on the road for the Lakers.

This is the second meeting of the season between the two teams. The Lakers defeated the Warriors on opening night, 127-105. Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Walker Kessler all scored over 20 points for the Lakers. Stephen Curry had 23 points to lead the Warriors while Yaxel Lendeborg scored 12 points in his NBA debut.

Gui Santos is DOUBTFUL with left knee tendinitis. He did not play against the Timberwolves. He’s started in three of four games for the Warriors this year and is averaging 9.3 points, four rebounds, and 1.5 assists on 52% shooting and 50% from three this season.

Jimmy Butler is OUT after undergoing right ACL surgery in January. He continues to rehab and the team hopes he will play at the beginning of the year.

Moses Moody is OUT after undergoing left patellar tendon surgery in March. The team is also hopeful that he will return to the court at the beginning of 2027.

Kristaps Porzingis is OUT as he is not with the team. The Warriors are reportedly trying to trade him and it is unclear when he will play again.

The Warriors started Yaxel Lendeborg, Draymond Green, Brandin Podziemski, Stephen Curry, and Georges Niang against the Timberwolves.

Will Richard, De’Anthony Melton, and Al Horford all played over 18 minutes off the bench. Brandon Williams and Gray Payton II played more than ten minutes.

Ziaire Williams is QUESTIONABLE with left foot and heel injury management. He missed the game against the Clippers. He’s started in all four games he’s appeared in for the Lakers this year and is averaging 11.3 points, three rebounds, and 2.3 assists on 57% shooting and 46% from three.

Walker Kessler is AVAILABLE and will continue to wear a left finger splint. He’s played in all five games for the Lakers this season and is averaging 14.8 points and 8.2 rebounds.

Cameron Carr is OUT with a right oblique strain. The rookie has yet to make his NBA debut.

Adou Thiero is OUT with left knee injury management. He has yet to play this season.

The Lakers started Austin Reaves, Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Matisse Thybulle, and Jake LaRavia against the Clippers. Luka Doncic will return to the starting lineup, sending either Grimes or LaRavia to the bench.

Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton, and Jarred Vanderbilt will see minutes off the bench.