The Golden State Warriors continue to grapple with the frustrations of rostering one of the NBA’s oldest teams, as superstar point guard Stephen Curry suffered a significant setback with his already injured knee.
Marc J. Spears of ESPN reported Thursday (February 26, 2026) on the “Willard & Dibs” show on 95.7 The Game that Curry experienced a setback over All-Star Weekend:
“Well, I heard around All-Star Weekend he had a setback. He was trying to work out, he was trying to get back, and it pushed him back. I’m not sure when he’ll be back, but I do know that he wants to come back.”
Spears added context on the Warriors’ current limbo:
“This team is kind of a no man’s land, right? They’re probably too bad for a playoff lock, top-six spot, right? But they’re too good to not be in the play-in. So Steph expects to play in the play-in. He wants to be in the play-in. He wants the chance to be in the playoffs.”
Curry’s Injury Timeline & Latest MRI
Curry has not played at all in February while dealing with patella-femoral pain syndrome (commonly known as “runner’s knee”) and associated bone bruising in his right knee. The Warriors conducted an MRI on February 19, releasing the following statement:
“Warriors guard Stephen Curry, who has missed the last five games due to patella-femoral pain syndrome/bone bruising in his right knee, underwent an MRI Wednesday night. The MRI confirmed the injury and showed no structural damage. He will be re-evaluated in 10 days.”
At that time, the earliest realistic return was potentially March 2 against the Clippers in San Francisco — assuming the re-evaluation cleared him for full basketball activities (which was already considered unlikely). Spears’ report now indicates the setback has pushed that timeline back considerably.
Warriors’ Current Standing & Playoff Outlook
Golden State sits at 31-28 and holds the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference. They are nine games ahead of the Memphis Grizzlies (11th place, last spot outside the play-in) but four games behind the Los Angeles Lakers for the No. 6 seed (last automatic playoff berth, avoiding the play-in).
With 23 games remaining in the regular season — and Jimmy Butler out for the year with a torn ACL — climbing into the top six would be a tall order even with Curry healthy. On the flip side, their lead over the play-in bubble is substantial enough that they are essentially locked into the play-in tournament.
Spears’ point is clear: there is little incentive to rush Curry back at the risk of further injury when the realistic ceiling (without him) is the play-in, and the floor is still safely above the lottery.
Play-In Almost Certain – Curry’s Return Timeline Uncertain
The setback throws another layer of uncertainty onto Golden State’s already injury-riddled season. Curry wants to play in the play-in and give the team a chance at the playoffs — but the setback has likely delayed that return by weeks, not days.
For a 37-year-old future Hall of Famer already battling knee issues, patience is now the priority. The Warriors are a lock for the play-in tournament barring a dramatic collapse — and Curry’s health will dictate whether he can suit up for it.
Warriors fans: the play-in path is nearly set in stone. Curry wants to be there — but the knee has other plans. The next re-evaluation (likely early-to-mid March) will provide more clarity. Until then, the focus remains on health over heroics.