Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry is facing a more complicated situation than initially expected. The San Francisco franchise announced this Thursday that the two-time MVP will be reevaluated in 10 days due to a persistent injury in his right knee, forcing him to miss, at minimum, the next five crucial games of the season.
Although an MRI performed Wednesday confirmed there is no structural damage in the joint, the pain and inflammation have not subsided. The medical staff has officially diagnosed the condition as patellofemoral pain syndrome, commonly known as “runner’s knee.“
According to head coach Steve Kerr, Curry attempted to participate in practice on Wednesday, but the discomfort returned after the effort: “It’s just persistent soreness. We were hoping he’d be ready for today, but that wasn’t the case. He needs more time,” Kerr said before the matchup against the Boston Celtics.
Goodbye to All-NBA honors
Thursday’s absence marks the 17th game Curry has missed during the 2025-2026 campaign. Under the league’s current rules, surpassing the allowed absence limit automatically removes the Warriors point guard from regular-season award consideration, ending a five-year streak of consecutive All-NBA team selections.
The setback comes at a critical moment for Golden State. The team currently sits eighth in the Western Conference with a 29-26 record. Without their franchise star – with whom they hold a 6-10 mark this year – the Warriors must navigate a brutal stretch of games that includes matchups against the Nuggets, Pelicans, Grizzlies, and Lakers.
Porzingis debut amid the crisis
As a positive note amid the uncertainty, newly acquired Kristaps Porzingisis expected to make his official debut this Thursday after recovering from an Achilles tendon injury. Nevertheless, Curry’s absence adds to the season-ending loss of Jimmy Butler III, placing a massive offensive burden on the rest of the roster.
If he is medically cleared after the reevaluation scheduled for March 2, his return could come against the Los Angeles Clippers, in a final push to secure a direct playoff berth and avoid the risks of the play-in tournament.
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