The Golden State Warriors still expect Stephen Curry to return before the end of the 2025-26 NBA season, according to head coach Steve Kerr.
Speaking to NBC’s Bob Costas before Sunday’s game against the New York Knicks, Kerr said the organization remains confident the veteran guard will play again this year despite an ongoing knee issue.
“Well, we expect him back,” Kerr said, via NBC Sport. “He’s trending in the right direction. It’s been a tricky injury. I think he’ll be back for sure. We just don’t know if it’s going to be a week or two or whatever. It’s a day-to-day process.”
Curry has been sidelined since Jan. 30, leaving Golden State without its leading scorer for more than six weeks.
Before the injury, the 38-year-old point guard was averaging 27.2 points, 4.8 assists and 3.5 rebounds in 39 games while shooting 46.8% from the field and 39.1% from three-point range.
His offensive production remains central to the Warriors’ system, which relies heavily on spacing, off-ball movement and perimeter shooting.
Golden State’s offense has struggled to maintain the same level of efficiency without its primary creator and floor spacer.
The Warriors entered Sunday’s matchup against the Knicks with a 32-34 record and were fighting to stay in the Western Conference play-in race.
New York handed Golden State another setback with a 110-107 victory on March 15, extending the Warriors’ recent slide.
Injuries have played a major role in the team’s inconsistency this season.
Jimmy Butler suffered a torn right ACL in January and is out for the season, removing a major two-way presence from the lineup.
Several other rotation players were unavailable Sunday, including Draymond Green (back), Moses Moody (wrist), Al Horford (calf), Kristaps Porzingis (illness) and Seth Curry (adductor).
The absences have forced Golden State to rely more heavily on younger players such as Brandin Podziemski and Gui Santos for extended minutes.
Podziemski has averaged 13.0 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 67 games this season while stepping into a larger role during Curry’s absence.
Even with those contributions, replacing Curry’s offensive gravity remains difficult for Golden State’s system.
His shooting range forces defenses to extend far beyond the three-point line, opening driving lanes and cutting opportunities for teammates.
The Warriors currently sit ninth in the Western Conference standings at 32-35, trailing several teams in a crowded race for the final play-in positions.
