Warriors Playoff Push Hinges on Curry's Return

Head coach Steve Kerr cites Stephen Curry's recovery as key to team's postseason hopes.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:21am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a basketball game, with sharp planes of color and overlapping shapes representing the dynamic action on the court.A cubist interpretation of the Warriors' playoff push, with Curry's return a key factor in their postseason hopes.New Orleans Today

The Golden State Warriors find themselves in a tight race for the final NBA Playoff spot, trailing the New Orleans Pelicans by a slim margin. Head coach Steve Kerr has emphasized that the team's postseason push hinges on the return of star player Stephen Curry, who has been sidelined with an injury.

Why it matters

The Warriors are a perennial contender, having won 4 championships in the last 8 seasons. Curry's absence has been a major factor in the team's struggles this year, and his return could be the difference between making the playoffs or missing them entirely.

The details

Curry has been out of the lineup for several weeks due to a lower body injury. The Warriors have been unable to maintain their usual high level of play without their franchise player, leading to a tight race for the 11th seed in the Western Conference. Kerr has stated that Curry's recovery and eventual return will be crucial in determining whether the team can secure a playoff berth.

  • Curry has been sidelined for several weeks due to a lower body injury.
  • The Warriors are currently trailing the New Orleans Pelicans for the 11th seed in the Western Conference.

The players

Steve Kerr

Head coach of the Golden State Warriors, leading the team to 4 championships in the last 8 seasons.

Stephen Curry

Star player for the Golden State Warriors, a 4-time NBA champion and 2-time MVP.

New Orleans Pelicans

An NBA team based in New Orleans, Louisiana, currently holding the 11th seed in the Western Conference.

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What they’re saying

“We have to compete for a spot in the playoffs because of the record discrepancy between us and the Pelicans. Curry's return is key to our postseason push.”

— Steve Kerr, Head Coach, Golden State Warriors

What’s next

The Warriors will continue to monitor Curry's recovery and hope to have him back on the court as soon as possible to bolster their playoff chances.

The takeaway

The Warriors' fate this season rests heavily on the return of their superstar Stephen Curry. His absence has been a major factor in the team's struggles, and his eventual comeback could be the difference between making the playoffs or missing them entirely.