SAN FRANCISCO – As Stephen Curry continues his recovery from a persistent right knee issue, questions are mounting about his availability for the remainder of the Golden State Warriors’ season. Curry hasn’t played since January 30th, and what was initially expected to be a short-term absence has stretched into a frustratingly prolonged rehabilitation. Despite the uncertainty, teammate Draymond Green firmly believes Curry will return to the court if at all possible this season.
The Warriors are currently navigating a challenging stretch without their star point guard, and the team’s medical staff recently indicated Curry will be re-evaluated again in approximately one week. This has led to speculation about whether the 37-year-old Curry might be forced to sit out until the 2026-27 campaign. While, Green emphatically dismissed such concerns.
“He prepared to arrive back in a season where we had only won 15 games (the 2019-20 season),” Green told Eden Collier of NBC Sports Bay Area. “So, I say that from experience, he’s not going to shut it down if there’s nothing that prevents him from playing. That’s just not him.”
Navigating a Difficult Stretch
The Warriors are too without Jimmy Butler, adding to the team’s challenges. Green acknowledged the difficult situation but stressed the importance of maintaining a strong perform ethic and focusing on improvement. “The only thing you can do is retain fighting, make sure you maintain and develop good habits. Try to provide yourself an opportunity to win these games,” Green said.
Curry’s injury is a patellofemoral pain syndrome, commonly known as “runner’s knee,” which involves inflammation and pain around the kneecap. The Warriors initially hoped Curry would return after the All-Star break, but a setback during a practice session derailed those plans. He was subsequently prohibited from on-court work for 10 days and was seen doing squats with weight on his right knee before Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Warriors lost that game 129-101, and Curry has now missed 10 consecutive games. He described his recovery as “unpredictable,” noting the difficulty in gauging when he’ll be able to return to game action. “It’s a bit of a rare case,” Curry said, as reported by ESPN. “It’s a little unpredictable how it’s going to heal.”
The situation is particularly concerning as the regular season nears its conclusion. With just over a month remaining, the Warriors are battling to secure their place in the play-in tournament. Currently holding the eighth seed in the Western Conference with a 31-29 record, they have a 2.5-game lead over the Los Angeles Clippers. The Clippers, however, are playing well and are nearing the return of Darius Garland, potentially intensifying the competition for a playoff spot.
Curry himself acknowledged the need for patience, stating, “It’s going to be a little bit more time. Right now, with this, it’s about day-to-day, can you stack good days? I’ve done that. Hopefully, they’ll unleash me on the court soon and, hopefully, get back out there as soon as possible.”
The Warriors’ struggles without Curry are evident. His absence has significantly impacted the team’s offensive firepower and overall performance. The team is clearly eager for his return, but they are also prioritizing his long-term health. The Warriors will provide another update on Curry’s condition on Sunday.
For Golden State, the focus remains on navigating this challenging period and positioning themselves for a strong finish to the season. While Curry’s return timeline remains uncertain, Draymond Green’s confidence in his teammate’s determination offers a glimmer of hope for Warriors fans.
The next confirmed update on Stephen Curry’s status will come following Sunday’s evaluation. Warriors fans can follow updates on the team’s official website and social media channels.
