Steph Curry's return gives Warriors much-needed dose of 'hope'

Golden State star's comeback from knee injury sparks excitement for team and fans

Apr. 4, 2026 at 10:51pm by Ben Kaplan

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Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry is expected to return to the court on Sunday against the Houston Rockets after missing 27 games due to a knee injury. Curry's return is seen as a much-needed boost of 'hope' for the struggling Warriors, who have gone 9-18 in his absence. Teammate Kristaps Porzingis expressed excitement at the prospect of finally sharing the court with Curry, calling him 'one of the best players, like, ever.' Warriors coach Steve Kerr said Curry's presence tends to improve the team's overall mood and vibe.

Why it matters

Curry's return comes at a crucial time for the Warriors, who have fallen to the No. 10 seed in the Western Conference during his absence. The team is hoping to develop chemistry between Curry, Porzingis, and potentially veteran Al Horford before making a playoff push from the bottom seed in the play-in tournament.

The details

Curry participated in his second 5-on-5 scrimmage in three days before Thursday's game, and Kerr said 'He looks like Steph Curry.' The Warriors have not set anything in stone, but word has spread that Curry is targeting Sunday's home game against the Rockets for his return. Kerr will likely have four games at most to determine how to best deploy Curry, Porzingis and Horford before the playoffs. Curry will likely have a minutes restriction and sit one half of the team's final back-to-back next week.

  • Curry has been sidelined since Jan. 30 with a knee injury.
  • The Warriors have gone 9-18 during Curry's 27-game absence.
  • Curry participated in his second 5-on-5 scrimmage in three days before Thursday's game.
  • Curry is targeting Sunday's home game against the Rockets for his return.

The players

Steph Curry

A 38-year-old star point guard for the Golden State Warriors and one of the best players in NBA history.

Kristaps Porzingis

A 7-foot-3 center acquired by the Warriors in a trade, known for his ability to shoot from deep and provide a lethal pick-and-roll partner for Curry.

Steve Kerr

The head coach of the Golden State Warriors, who has overseen the team's struggles in Curry's absence and is tasked with integrating him back into the lineup.

Al Horford

A 39-year-old veteran forward who the Warriors acquired and is still recovering from a calf strain.

Seth Curry

Steph Curry's brother, who is also recovering from a bout with sciatica and hopes to share the court with Steph at least once this season.

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What they’re saying

“Even from afar, I was always amazed. It was a nightmare to play him. But he was one of those players, you can't get mad because you look at it, and it's like, 'Wow. What can you do?' Now, to actually be his teammate? That's going to be pretty cool.”

— Kristaps Porzingis, Golden State Warriors center

“He brings hope to a tough situation. When Steph's around, the vibe tends to be better, and it's definitely better right now.”

— Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors head coach

“I know that's one of his motivating factors for getting out there, to get us out there on the court together. I want to get out there with him at least one time and experience that.”

— Seth Curry

What’s next

The Warriors have five games remaining starting Sunday, and coach Steve Kerr will likely have four at most to determine how best to deploy Curry, Porzingis and potentially Al Horford before attempting to make a playoff run from the bottom seed in the play-in tournament.

The takeaway

Steph Curry's return from injury comes at a critical juncture for the struggling Warriors, who are hoping his presence can provide a much-needed boost of energy and optimism as the team fights to secure a playoff spot. The integration of Curry, Porzingis and Horford will be a key focus in the final games of the regular season.