Curry to Come Off Bench in Return vs. Rockets

Warriors star will play in 'short bursts' in his first game since late January.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 7:52am by Ben Kaplan

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Steph Curry will not start in his return to the court on Sunday night against the Houston Rockets. Instead, the Warriors' All-Star point guard will come off the bench and play in 'short bursts' in his first game since late January.

Why it matters

Curry's return is highly anticipated, as the Warriors have struggled without their star player. His ability to provide a scoring punch off the bench could give the team a much-needed boost as they look to solidify their playoff positioning.

The details

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said Curry will play in 'short bursts' in his return, rather than starting. The Warriors will stick with Brandin Podziemski and De'Anthony Melton in the backcourt to start the game against the Rockets.

  • Curry has missed the last 27 games for the Warriors as he's dealt with a lingering knee injury.
  • Sunday will mark the first game Curry will be able to play alongside his brother, Seth Curry and recently acquired Golden State big man Kristaps Porzingis.

The players

Steph Curry

The Warriors' All-Star point guard who has been sidelined with a knee injury since late January.

Steve Kerr

The head coach of the Golden State Warriors.

Brandin Podziemski

A Warriors player who will start in the backcourt against the Rockets.

De'Anthony Melton

A Warriors player who will start in the backcourt against the Rockets.

Seth Curry

Steph Curry's brother, who is also a player for the Warriors.

Kristaps Porzingis

A recently acquired big man for the Golden State Warriors.

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What they’re saying

“When the Warriors' starters were announced on Sunday, Curry's name wasn't listed. The Warriors are sticking with Brandin Podziemski and De'Anthony Melton in the backcourt on Sunday night against the Houston Rockets.”

— Anthony Slater, Reporter

What’s next

The Warriors are set to meet the Rockets at 7 p.m. PT on Sunday evening at San Francisco's Chase Center.

The takeaway

Curry's return off the bench is a strategic move by the Warriors to ease him back into game action after his extended absence due to injury. His ability to provide a scoring spark for the team could be crucial as they push for a strong finish to the regular season and playoff positioning.