Warriors Rest Curry Against Lakers

NBA MVP race heats up as season winds down

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:47pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball game, with sharp planes of blue, yellow, and red overlapping to create a dynamic, abstract composition.The NBA MVP race heats up as the season winds down, with star players like Stephen Curry resting to prepare for the playoffs.Los Angeles Today

The Golden State Warriors have announced that star player Stephen Curry will sit out Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers to rest. This comes as the NBA MVP race remains tight between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama as the season nears its conclusion.

Why it matters

Curry's absence is significant as the Warriors continue to battle for playoff positioning, while the MVP race has major implications for individual accolades and team success. Fans and analysts will be closely watching to see how Curry's rest impacts the Warriors' performance and how the MVP race unfolds in the season's final stretch.

The details

The Warriors have not provided a specific reason for Curry's absence, but it is likely a precautionary measure to keep the star player fresh for the playoffs. Curry has been a driving force for the Warriors this season, averaging over 29 points per game. His absence will put more pressure on his teammates to step up against the Lakers.

  • The Warriors play the Lakers on Thursday, April 9, 2026.

The players

Stephen Curry

The star point guard for the Golden State Warriors, a perennial NBA All-Star and former league MVP.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The rising star point guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, currently in the running for the NBA MVP award.

Victor Wembanyama

The highly touted French basketball prospect, also in contention for the NBA MVP award in his rookie season.

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What they’re saying

“Resting Steph is the right call here, even if it's a big game against the Lakers. The Warriors need him healthy for the playoffs.”

— Steve Kerr, Head Coach, Golden State Warriors

What’s next

The Warriors' next game is on Saturday, April 11 against the Portland Trail Blazers. It remains to be seen if Curry will return for that matchup.

The takeaway

Curry's rest highlights the Warriors' focus on the long-term, even as the MVP race remains tight between rising stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama. The Warriors' decision underscores the importance of player health and management as teams jockey for playoff positioning.