After missing more than two months with a persistent right knee injury, Stephen Curry is expected to make his long-awaited return for the Golden State Warriors on Sunday against the Houston Rockets.
The news has been highly anticipated by Warriors fans and the organization alike. While Golden State sits at 36-41 and is locked into the No. 10 seed in the Western Conference — meaning they are headed for the play-in tournament regardless — Curry’s presence could provide the jolt needed to make a deeper postseason run.
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Curry on What’s Still Possible
During a press conference the day before the Rockets game, Curry was realistic yet optimistic about the Warriors’ remaining goals.
“Hopefully win two play-in games and then have another conversation,” Curry said when asked what the team can still achieve with him back. “That’s the only thing in front of us right now.”
Head coach Steve Kerr has repeatedly emphasized that getting Curry back is the priority, even if the regular-season positioning is already set. Kerr has made it clear that the Warriors owe it to their fans — and to Curry himself — to give him the opportunity to play meaningful basketball this season.
“He’s the greatest face of a franchise that I’ve ever seen,” Kerr said. “We owe it to our fans to give them the opportunity to watch Steph Curry play basketball this year. And Steph doesn’t even think twice about that. That’s what he wants. That’s what we want. That’s what our fans want. So we’re going to do that.”
Gary Payton II on the Impact of Curry’s Return
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Teammate Gary Payton II was blunt about what Curry’s return means for the rest of the roster.
“I get layups. Wide open layups,” Payton said with a smile, highlighting how Curry’s gravity opens up easy scoring opportunities for everyone else.
The numbers back that up. The Warriors have posted a 118.0 offensive rating with Curry on the floor this season, compared to just 110.2 when he is off the court — a massive difference that underscores his unique impact.
Injury Context and Timeline
Curry has missed 27 games with the knee issue. He initially expected to be sidelined for only a week to 10 days, but the recovery took longer than anticipated. Importantly, there is no structural damage to the knee, which gives the Warriors confidence that Curry can return without long-term limitations.
“Following two successful scrimmages, Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry is expected to get official clearance for a Sunday return to the lineup after missing the previous 27 games with a persistent right knee issue,” Anthony Slater and Shams Charania reported.
Kerr noted after a recent scrimmage that Curry “looks like Steph Curry,” but left the final decision to Curry and the medical staff (led by Rick Celebrini). The expectation remains strong that he will suit up against Houston.
Final Word
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Stephen Curry’s return couldn’t come at a more critical time for the Warriors. While the team has battled through injuries all season — including season-ending issues for Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody — getting their franchise cornerstone back provides a massive boost heading into the play-in tournament.
At 36-41, Golden State knows the margin for error is slim, but Curry’s presence alone changes the equation. His scoring (27.2 PPG on 46.8% shooting and 39.1% from three in 39 games), playmaking, and sheer gravity remain unmatched.
The Warriors will hope Curry can help them win the necessary play-in games and keep their season alive. For a franchise built on Curry’s greatness, giving him one more chance to chase postseason glory feels only right.
Warriors fans, what’s your reaction? How big of a difference do you expect Stephen Curry’s return to make in the play-in? Are you optimistic the Warriors can make a surprise run, or is this season already a rebuilding year in your eyes? Let us know in the comments below.
The final stretch of the regular season and the play-in tournament will be must-watch television for Golden State fans. With Curry back, anything feels possible again.