Stephen Curry Nears Return to Golden State Warriors After Two-Month Knee Absence

The Golden State Warriors are bracing for the return of their cornerstone. After a two-month hiatus caused by a knee injury, Stephen Curry is on the verge of returning to the NBA hardwood, with his availability for Sunday’s matchup against the Houston Rockets serving as the focal point for the franchise.

The road back has been described by the 38-year-old guard as a “modern normal” following a rehabilitation process that was characterized as “unpredictable.” For a player whose game relies on precision movement and explosive perimeter play, the recovery period has been a cautious exercise in patience and physical recalibration.

The Path to Sunday: From Scrimmages to the Injury Report

The timeline for Curry’s return has shifted rapidly over the last several days. On Thursday, April 2, the Warriors officially ruled Curry out for their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, reports indicated he was making tangible progress, participating in a scrimmage that same day. According to reports from The Athletic, the team began considering him day-to-day following that session.

By Friday, April 3, optimism grew. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Curry was expected to play on Sunday against Houston. Despite that optimism, the official injury report released late Saturday, April 4, at 9:45 PM, listed Curry as “questionable” for the Sunday contest. This designation is common for players returning from long-term injuries, as coaching staffs often make a final determination based on pre-game warm-ups and how the knee responds to full-speed activity.

For global fans and analysts, the return of the Stephen Curry presence changes the tactical landscape of the game. Whether he returns on a limited minutes restriction or is thrust back into a primary role remains to be seen, but his presence alone alters how opponents must defend the Warriors’ perimeter.

Analyzing the Gap: What the Warriors Lost

To understand the impact of Curry’s absence, one only needs to look at his production immediately preceding the injury. In his final five games of January 2026, Curry remained a dominant offensive force, averaging 25.2 points per game. His peak during that stretch came on January 22 against the Dallas Mavericks, where he poured in 38 points on 51.9% shooting from the field.

His consistency before the knee injury was evident across various matchups:

• Jan 30 vs. Detroit: 25 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist
• Jan 28 @ Utah: 28 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists
• Jan 25 @ Minnesota: 26 points, 2 rebounds, 7 assists
• Jan 22 @ Dallas: 38 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists
• Jan 20 vs. Toronto: 16 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists

Beyond the box score, the Warriors have lacked the gravity that Curry provides. As the widely regarded greatest shooter in basketball history, Curry forces defenses to stretch, creating open lanes for teammates. Without him, the offense has had to find alternative ways to generate high-efficiency looks.

The “New Normal” at 38

At 38 years old, Curry is navigating the later stages of a career that has already redefined the sport. With 16 years of NBA experience, the physical toll of the league is a constant factor. The “unpredictable” nature of his recent knee rehab suggests that the recovery process is no longer as linear as it was in his 20s.

This “new normal” likely involves a more rigorous maintenance routine and a strategic approach to load management. Despite the injury, Curry’s accolades continue to mount; he was named an NBA All-Star for the 12th time in 2026 and has previously earned two NBA MVP awards and four NBA championships.

Note for readers: In NBA terminology, a “questionable” tag generally means a player has a 50% chance of playing. It is the middle ground between “probable” (likely to play) and “doubtful” (unlikely to play).

What’s Next for the Warriors

The immediate focus is the game against the Houston Rockets this Sunday. The Warriors’ staff will be monitoring Curry’s knee closely during the final hours of preparation. If he is cleared to play, the primary concern will be his rhythm—specifically his three-point shooting, which has been the engine of the Golden State offense for over a decade.

Whereas some analysts have suggested the team has little to gain from his return at this stage of the season, the psychological boost of having “Superman” back in the lineup cannot be quantified. For a team eyeing the postseason, getting Curry back into game shape is a priority over the immediate outcome of a single regular-season game.

The final decision on Curry’s availability will be made shortly before tip-off on Sunday. Fans can expect official updates via the Golden State Warriors’ communications and the league’s official injury reports.

Next Checkpoint: Official active roster confirmation prior to the Warriors vs. Rockets game on Sunday, April 5, 2026.