Warriors' Curry, Porzingis Eyeing Returns vs. Celtics

Golden State hopes to get key players back as they host Boston on Thursday night.

Feb. 24, 2026 at 4:23am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Golden State Warriors are hoping to get a boost with the potential returns of star guard Stephen Curry and newly acquired center Kristaps Porzingis when they host the Boston Celtics on Thursday night. Curry has missed the last five games due to a sore knee, while Porzingis has been out since January with an Achilles issue. Warriors coach Steve Kerr said he's optimistic both players will be able to suit up against the second-place Celtics.

Why it matters

The Warriors have lost four of their last six games and are currently in eighth place in the Western Conference standings. Getting Curry and Porzingis back would be a major lift as they try to solidify their playoff positioning. The Celtics, meanwhile, are looking to keep pace with the conference-leading Detroit Pistons.

The details

Porzingis, who was acquired by the Warriors at the trade deadline, said Thursday's game against his former team was his target date for returning to action. He's averaged 17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game this season. Curry, the Warriors' leading scorer at 27.2 points per game, has been sidelined with a sore knee. Kerr said the team will evaluate Porzingis in a Wednesday scrimmage before deciding on his status.

  • Porzingis has been out since January 7 due to an Achilles issue.
  • Curry has missed the Warriors' last five games with a sore knee.

The players

Stephen Curry

A two-time NBA MVP and the Warriors' leading scorer this season at 27.2 points per game.

Kristaps Porzingis

A center acquired by the Warriors at the trade deadline who has been out since January 7 with an Achilles injury.

Steve Kerr

The head coach of the Golden State Warriors.

Jayson Tatum

A six-time NBA All-Star for the Boston Celtics who is recovering from a torn Achilles and has begun practicing with the team.

Ron Harper Jr.

A Celtics player who commented on Tatum's progress in his recovery.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I look forward to really having a surprisingly good post All-Star break.”

— Kristaps Porzingis

“Kristaps has been here the last handful of days and practiced today with the team. Looked good. He's feeling good. We won't make a determination until after (Wednesday). When we practice (Wednesday) afternoon we'll get up and down the floor and scrimmage, which we didn't do (Tuesday). We did more skill work and went over some things.”

— Steve Kerr, Warriors coach

“He looked like Jayson Tatum, I'll say that much. We're really excited for the potential of him coming back. We don't know for sure if he's going to come back. We're just really excited to see him progress during his rehab.”

— Ron Harper Jr., Celtics player

What’s next

The Warriors will evaluate Kristaps Porzingis in a Wednesday scrimmage before deciding on his status for Thursday's game against the Celtics.

The takeaway

The potential returns of Stephen Curry and Kristaps Porzingis could provide a major boost for the Warriors as they look to solidify their playoff positioning, while the Celtics are hoping for the eventual return of star forward Jayson Tatum as they chase the conference-leading Pistons.