In a setback that’s sending ripples through the NBA community, Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry’s ongoing battle with right patellofemoral pain syndrome—better known as “runner’s knee”—has taken a concerning turn. Head coach Steve Kerr confirmed on Wednesday that Curry might require another MRI to fully assess the injury, labeling the situation as “unfortunate” amid the team’s push for a strong post-All-Star break performance.
Curry, the sharpshooting legend whose absence has left a void in the Warriors’ lineup, has already missed the last five games leading into the All-Star break. The injury first flared up during a road trip to Minnesota in late January. Despite playing through the pain in the January 25 game against the Timberwolves, Curry was sidelined for a back-to-back and briefly returned before aggravating the issue. His last appearance was on January 30, when he limped off the court in the third quarter during a loss to the Detroit Pistons.
Speaking to reporters, Kerr provided an update on Curry’s status, noting that the four-time NBA champion skipped Tuesday’s scrimmage because he wasn’t feeling ready. “It’s unfortunate, but we’ll have an update tomorrow after he goes through his time with the training staff tonight,” Kerr said, as reported by NBC Sports Bay Area. He described the injury as “a little nebulous,” emphasizing its tricky nature. “That’s the nature of the injury,” Kerr added. “I’m not going to do [director of sports medicine and performance] Rick Celebrini a disservice and try to explain it myself. That’s just not my area of expertise, but it’s a little tricky. We’re going to keep plugging away with it. Steph will take the right steps. Our training staff will continue to work with him, and now we’ll see where it goes.”
Curry, who attended the All-Star Game as a spectator rather than a participant, has been undergoing intensive treatment with his personal trainer. However, upon returning home this week, he admitted he “wasn’t in the right place,” according to Warriors beat writer Dalton Johnson. This cautious approach underscores the unpredictable recovery timeline for such an injury.
Enter renowned sports medicine expert Dr. Nirav Pandya, a practicing physician at UCSF and an avid Warriors fan, who weighed in on the situation via X (formerly Twitter). Dr. Pandya offered valuable insights into why Curry’s return might not follow a straightforward schedule. “Unlike an ankle sprain or a broken bone, ‘runner’s knee’ is a bit more unpredictable in terms of when an athlete returns to play,” he wrote. “It’s not a linear recovery since a lot has to deal how an athlete feels given the irritation around the structures in the front of the knee. Better to allow more recovery in the front end to prevent it from flaring up again with an early return.”
Addressing the potential need for a second MRI, Dr. Pandya explained its diagnostic value: “An MRI in the context of ‘runner’s knee’ can determine if there is more / less inflammation in the knee as well look for additional injury (i.e. cartilage) that may not have appeared during initial imaging.” His commentary highlights the importance of thorough evaluation to avoid long-term complications, providing fans and the team with a clearer understanding of the “nebulous” injury Kerr referenced.
The Warriors, currently navigating the competitive Western Conference, face added pressure without their franchise cornerstone. Curry’s absence comes at a pivotal time, as the team integrates new pieces following the trade deadline. On a brighter note, recent acquisition Kristaps Porzingis reported feeling “excellent” after Tuesday’s scrimmage and is slated to make his Golden State debut in Thursday’s matchup against the Boston Celtics. The Latvian big man, who has been sidelined for much of 2026 due to Achilles tendinitis, could provide a much-needed boost to the frontcourt.
As the Warriors await further updates on Curry, the focus remains on patience and precision in his rehabilitation. Dr. Pandya’s expert reaction serves as a reminder that rushing back could exacerbate the issue, potentially sidelining the two-time MVP even longer. Fans will be eagerly watching for tomorrow’s update, hoping for positive news on one of basketball’s all-time greats.
For now, it’s official: Curry’s injury is a hurdle the Warriors must overcome, but with expert medical guidance and team resilience, there’s optimism for a full recovery. Stay tuned for more developments as Golden State pushes forward in the 2026 season.