Warriors Star Curry's Knee MRI Comes Back Clean

Persistent pain and swelling keep him sidelined for now

Feb. 26, 2026 at 2:39am by Ben Kaplan

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Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry had another MRI on his bothersome right knee that came back clean, but persistent pain and swelling have not allowed him to return to the court. The team is listing it as patellofemoral pain syndrome, also known as "runner's knee", and his return timetable remains unclear.

Why it matters

Curry is the Warriors' star player and his health is crucial to the team's success. Any extended absence due to injury could significantly impact the team's playoff chances.

The details

Curry initially felt the issue during an individual workout on Jan. 24 in Minneapolis. He tried to play through it for a few games but eventually had to shut it down. The latest MRI came back clean, but the persistent pain and swelling have prevented him from participating in a live scrimmage. The team remains cautious about his return, wanting to ensure he is fully healthy before bringing him back.

  • Curry initially felt the issue during an individual workout on Jan. 24 in Minneapolis.
  • Curry missed the last five games before the All-Star break after persistent pain and swelling forced the team to shut him down.
  • Curry returned to the facility on Wednesday night and told the training staff the knee "didn't feel quite ready" to participate in a live scrimmage.

The players

Stephen Curry

Golden State Warriors star player.

Steve Kerr

Head coach of the Golden State Warriors.

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What they’re saying

“Just wasn't where he needed to be. It's unfortunate.”

— Steve Kerr, Head coach

“You have to try to get rid of all the inflammation and pain. It's something we still have to monitor and injury-manage, but it's something where, if I come back too early, it could flare up.”

— Stephen Curry

What’s next

The Warriors will continue to monitor Curry's progress and provide updates on his return timetable. The team's medical staff will work closely with Curry to ensure he is fully healthy before returning to the court.

The takeaway

Curry's health is crucial for the Warriors' success, and the team is taking a cautious approach to ensure he can return without risk of further injury. This highlights the challenges professional athletes face in recovering from persistent injuries and the importance of prioritizing long-term health over short-term playing time.