Gui Santos Cleared for Nuggets Game After Left Knee Tendinitis

Golden State Warriors forward Gui Santos, who exited Saturday's 131–122 loss to the Phoenix Suns in the third quarter with left knee soreness, has been cleared to play in Monday's matchup against the Denver Nuggets, according to head coach Steve Kerr. Santos was initially listed as questionable with left knee tendinitis on the injury report following his early departure.

Santos sustained the injury during Saturday's back-to-back contest while starting in place of Draymond Green. He finished with seven points, four rebounds, and three assists in 23 minutes, shooting 1-of-4 from the field. Reporters on the sideline observed Santos appearing in pain and attempting to walk off the injury at the free-throw line during the third quarter, which prompted immediate concern among Warriors fans already stressed by the team's depleted roster.

Post-game assessments from Santos himself and team officials quickly tempered fears of a long-term absence. According to ESPN's Anthony Slater and reporter Luca Evans, Santos described the issue as a minor left knee tweak involving a tendon, characterizing it as nothing serious. He indicated he expected any potential absence to be short, if he missed time at all. The injury occurred at a particularly difficult moment for Golden State, which played Saturday without Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Al Horford, Brandin Podziemski, Jimmy Butler, Moses Moody, and Kristaps Porzingis.

With the Warriors now 0–3 to start the 2026–27 season, Santos' availability provides some relief to the depleted rotation. Draymond Green is expected to return for Monday's game, which may shift Santos to a bench role, though minutes remain available on the wing due to continued absences from Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody. Other Warriors forward Charles Bassey is also available after making a strong impression in his season debut with 10 points and seven rebounds against Phoenix.