The Golden State Warriors may soon face one of their toughest decisions of the season: whether to bring Stephen Curry back or shut him down until the playoffs.
Curry has been sidelined since January 30th with a lingering knee issue, and the latest updates suggest his return may still be weeks away. With the Warriors hovering in Play-In territory and battling injuries across the roster, patience may be the franchise’s only realistic option.
“Given their position in the West standings, the Warriors have zero reason to rush Curry back,” Brett Siegel wrote for ClutchPoints.com. “Having Steph available for the play-in tournament will be essential, as will ensuring he is one hundred percent healthy for whoever they possibly face in a first-round playoff series.”
While Curry was initially expected to return shortly after the All-Star break, the timeline has continued to shift.
The earliest possible return could come March 15th when the Warriors face the New York Knicks, though even that remains uncertain.
The two-time MVP recently addressed the situation himself during an interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews.
“It’s going to be a little longer,” Curry said. “Right now with this one, it’s just about can each day. Can you stack good days, and I’ve done that, so hopefully they can unleash me on the court soon and get back out there sooner than later.”
Further updates from The Athletic’s Anthony Slater indicate the Warriors are continuing to take a cautious approach.
“Steph Curry will be re-evaluated again in 10 days, per source,” Slater wrote on X. “Making progress on that ‘unpredictable‘ right knee issue, as Curry called it, but that’ll rule him out of at least the next five Warriors games. He’s missed the last 10 games.”
Golden State’s injury issues extend well beyond Curry. Newly acquired Kristaps Porzingis has appeared in just one game since arriving at the trade deadline and is currently sidelined with an illness.
READ MORE: Rui Hachimura Sends Clear Championship Message About Lakers