Warriors' Steph Curry Undergoes MRI, Labeled Day-to-Day with 'Runner's Knee'

Golden State balances Curry's workload with the need to win as he deals with right knee soreness.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 8:55pm

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Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said Stephen Curry underwent an MRI that revealed patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner's knee) in his sore right knee. Curry's status for Tuesday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers is yet to be determined, but Kerr said Curry is 'doing better.' The Warriors are trying to manage Curry's workload as he takes on a bigger offensive burden with the absence of Jimmy Butler.

Why it matters

Curry's health is crucial for the Warriors' playoff push, as they currently sit eighth in the Western Conference. The team must balance Curry's long-term wellbeing with the need to win games in the short term.

The details

Curry first experienced right knee soreness last Saturday during a workout in Minneapolis. He sat out Monday's loss to the Timberwolves but played in Sunday's win. Curry is averaging 27.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists through 39 games this season. Without Butler, Kerr has played Curry for longer stretches, putting more stress on the star's shoulders.

  • Curry first experienced right knee soreness last Saturday during a workout in Minneapolis.
  • Curry sat out Monday's loss to the Timberwolves but played in Sunday's win.
  • Curry underwent an MRI on Saturday that revealed patellofemoral pain syndrome.

The players

Stephen Curry

A 17-year veteran and star player for the Golden State Warriors.

Steve Kerr

The head coach of the Golden State Warriors.

Rick Celebrini

The president of player health and performance for the Golden State Warriors.

Jimmy Butler

A player for the Golden State Warriors who is out for the season with a torn right ACL.

Jonathan Kuminga

A player for the Golden State Warriors who has been out with a right knee bone bruise.

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What they’re saying

“I would imagine it's something that we have to really monitor here. Especially before the All-Star break where we've got to see if he could take on his usual workload.”

— Steve Kerr, Head Coach (sfchronicle.com)

“It definitely puts a lot more stress on Steph's shoulders not having Jimmy next to him to create shots, to take over the offense when needed. So, we have to account for that. We're trying to do that with our lineup conversations but we're also thinking about alternative ways to attack.”

— Steve Kerr, Head Coach (sfchronicle.com)

“We've got to see if he can take on his usual workload or does he need to miss a game here or there? That's something we all have to figure out.”

— Steve Kerr, Head Coach (sfchronicle.com)

What’s next

The Warriors have five games before the All-Star break, which starts on February 12. The team will have to determine if Curry can handle his usual workload or if he needs to miss a game or two to manage the soreness in his right knee.

The takeaway

Curry's health is crucial for the Warriors' playoff push, and the team must carefully balance his workload to ensure he is available for the long haul. The absence of Jimmy Butler has put additional strain on Curry, and the Warriors are exploring alternative ways to lighten his offensive burden.