The Golden State Warriors are set to welcome back NBA superstar Stephen Curry from a lengthy knee injury on Sunday, April 5, against the Houston Rockets — but the team dropped a major surprise just before tip-off.
Despite widespread expectations that Curry would reclaim his spot in the starting lineup, the Warriors announced a highly unexpected starting five that left the four-time champion on the bench to begin the game.
Warriors Starting Lineup Head coach Steve Kerr named Brandin Podziemski, De’Anthony Melton, Draymond Green, Gui Santos, and Kristaps Porzingis as the starters against Houston. The decision marks one of the most unusual lineups the Warriors have used all season.
The move comes with a clear explanation: Curry is returning after missing more than two months with a knee injury and will be on a strict minute restriction. Golden State is choosing caution over rushing their franchise centerpiece back into full starter’s minutes. Still, the absence of Curry from the opening lineup sent shockwaves through the fanbase.
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The Warriors officially confirmed the news on social media, posting: “First five.”
Later, the team also announced: “Stephen Curry plays basketball today ‼️”
Curry’s Return and Warriors Injury Report Curry had been listed as questionable on the final injury report, but the Warriors confirmed he is officially available and active for Sunday’s matchup. His return offers a major boost of hope to a Golden State team that has been ravaged by injuries all season.
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However, the Warriors are still far from full strength. Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody remain out for the season with knee injuries. Al Horford and Quinten Post will also miss the game against Houston, though both are making progress in their recoveries and are scheduled for re-evaluation next week. LJ Cyer is sidelined with an illness, while Seth Curry is available after being listed as questionable earlier in the day.
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Current Standing and Outlook Golden State enters the game with a 36-41 record, sitting as the 10th seed in the Western Conference and facing another trip to the Play-In Tournament. Despite the challenges, head coach Steve Kerr has expressed confidence that the Warriors can make a meaningful run once Curry is fully integrated back into the lineup.
Tonight’s game against the Rockets will serve as the first real test of how Curry fits alongside the younger and reshaped roster Kerr has relied on during his absence.
For Warriors fans, the night brings mixed emotions — excitement over Curry’s long-awaited return, tempered by the surprising decision to keep him out of the starting lineup. All eyes will be on Chase Center to see how the superstar fares in his first action in over two months.