Austin Konenski
The Golden State Warriors have been without star point guard Stephen Curry for almost two months. Curry, who has been out with patella-femoral pain syndrome and bone bruising in his right knee, hasn’t played since January 30. Since then, Golden State has a 7-15 record without its superstar point guard.
However, could Curry return to the court soon? Ahead of Monday’s game against the Dallas Mavericks, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr gave an update on Curry’s possible return timeline. If it comes to fruition, the 38-year-old point guard could be back in time for the playoffs.
“We’re not chasing a Play-In berth,” Kerr said before Monday’s game. “We are squarely in the Play-In, no matter what we do. Bottom line, if [Stephen Curry] is healthy, he’s going to play because that’s what we’re here for. The chance to get into the playoffs is a big deal for us, big deal for Steph.”
Curry will be evaluated before Wednesday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets; however, it will take time for him to return to full basketball condition. If Curry is healthy and cleared to play, he will participate in the Play-In Tournament, which is scheduled to take place in three weeks.
What Stephen Curry’s return would mean for the Golden State Warriors
The Warriors currently sit 10th in the Western Conference and will almost certainly participate in the Play-In Tournament. Golden State has a nine-game lead over the New Orleans Pelicans for the final spot with 10 games left in the season. The team is also six games behind the Phoenix Suns for the sixth seed.
There is a chance the Warriors move up to the eighth seed, as they sit two games behind the Los Angeles Clippers. If so, it would only take one game to officially lock a spot into the 2025-26 NBA playoffs. For Golden State, it won’t sit Curry as long as it has a chance at making the playoffs.
The 38-year-old point guard returning for the Play-In Tournament would be major for the organization. The aging Warriors core has been decimated with Curry out and Jimmy Butler recovering from a Torn ACL in January. With Brandin Podziemski leading the backcourt, it hasn’t been enough to have sustained success as a team.
However, if Curry joins Podziemski in the backcourt, it would significantly alter the future of the Warriors this season. The 23-year-old guard wouldn’t be forced to carry the load offensively, giving him more of a complementary role moving forward. While Podziemski has played well, Curry is the leader in Golden State.
Even if Curry returns, the Warriors might have to win two straight road games to make the 2025-26 NBA playoffs. It might not result in a playoff berth, but it gives Golden State the best chance at competing. Curry wants to get back out there, and if the knee allows, he will be active for the Play-In Tournament.
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