The Warriors believe the vast improvement they experienced after acquiring Jimmy Butler III was no mirage. That their 27-8 record with Stephen Curry and Butler in the lineup tells them they can play with the best of the NBA.

Yet most interested observers align with the oddsmakers, who remain unconvinced. They’re awaiting compelling evidence.

The Warriors can begin submitting that on opening night, when they play the first of six games that should provide a fair assessment of where they stand in the league and their postseason ceiling.

Here is a look at those games, and why they can dictate Golden State’s status in 2025-26 :

Oct. 21 at Los Angeles Lakers

What better way to immediately turn heads than going on the road and beating the league’s most publicized team – and most publici

See Full Page