SAN FRANCISCO — Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski will start in the team's home opener against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, Oct. 23.
Podziemski missed the Warriors' season opener, Wednesday's 127-105 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, due to a sore back.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr told reporters before Friday's game that Podziemski is not only available, but starting at the two-guard position.
"He had a workout this morning," Kerr said. "Went through it fine, so he'll be in the starting lineup."
Podziemski appeared in all 82 games for the Warriors last season. His availability was one of the many attributes that gave Golden State confidence before extending the 23-year-old.
The Warriors and Podziemski agreed to a five-year, $110 million rookie-scale contract extension, which includes an option for the final year in 2031–32.
Podziemski averaged career highs with Golden State last year (13.8 points per game, 3.7 assists, 1.1 steals on 45% shooting). The Warriors drafted Podziemski out of Santa Clara with the 19th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Podziemski will make his 2026-27 season debut against the Grizzlies. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m PT (10 p.m. ET).
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Brandin Podziemski back in Warriors' starting lineup for game vs. Grizzlies