Curry faces heavy workload as NBA season moves into full swing

Stephen Curry was projected for a prominent role in Golden State’s Wednesday opener against the Los Angeles Lakers, with three Warriors players sidelined as the 2026-27 NBA season moved into its first full slate of games. The SportsLine Projection Model forecast 37.8 combined points, assists and rebounds for Curry.

Jimmy Butler remained out as he recovered from an ACL injury, while Kristaps Porzingis and Brandin Podziemski were also unavailable for the game against the Lakers. Their absences left Curry set to handle the ball frequently, according to the pre-game assessment.

The season had begun with three games on Tuesday before Wednesday’s larger programme. The Lakers-Warriors meeting was part of a nationally broadcast doubleheader that also featured the Miami Heat against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Vucevic returns to Orlando

Nikola Vucevic was back in Orlando after spells in Chicago and Boston. He was expected to serve as Wendell Carter Jr.’s backup, but the model still projected him to collect 7.9 rebounds against Atlanta.

The projections cover different roles: Curry’s figure combines three statistical categories, while Vucevic’s concerns rebounds alone. Both were issued before their teams played on Wednesday, rather than reflecting performances already recorded.

Young’s opening assignment

Trae Young was another focus ahead of Washington’s season opener. Top pick AJ Dybantsa was sidelined, removing one potential scorer for Young to find, and the model projected Young to finish with 7.8 assists.

The Washington forecast centred on how Young’s playmaking would be affected by the absence. It was part of a wider set of pre-game projections for a Wednesday schedule that followed the league’s three-game opening night.

SportsLine says its model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times. It projected Curry for 37.8 PRA, Vucevic for 7.9 rebounds and Young for 7.8 assists.