Stephen Curry set to return from 27-game knee injury absence

Warriors star says 'nothing is structurally wrong' with his knee ahead of comeback.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 10:19pm

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Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry is set to return to the court on Sunday, after missing the last 27 games due to a knee injury. Curry initially described the injury as non-major, but it ended up sidelining him for over two months with what the team called patella-femoral pain syndrome and bone bruising in his right knee. Curry says there is no structural damage, but he is still learning how to manage the 'new normal' in his leg as he works to get back to full strength.

Why it matters

Curry's health is crucial for the Warriors' playoff hopes, as they currently sit in 10th place in the Western Conference standings. While they are likely to make the play-in tournament, a healthy Curry could be the difference in a potential first-round series against the conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder.

The details

Curry initially thought he would only be out for a week or 10 days, but the recovery process proved much more frustrating as the knee wasn't healing as quickly as expected. He says he had to be patient and let the injury fully rest, rather than trying to push through it. Curry clarified that there is no structural damage in the knee, but he is still adjusting to a 'new normal' in terms of how his leg functions.

  • Curry has missed the last 27 games since sustaining the knee injury in January.
  • Curry is expected to return to the court on Sunday, April 7, 2026, with 5 games left in the regular season.
  • The Warriors currently sit in 10th place in the Western Conference standings.

The players

Stephen Curry

A 38-year-old superstar point guard for the Golden State Warriors, and one of the greatest shooters in NBA history.

Jimmy Butler III

A key contributor for the Warriors who is already out for the rest of the season due to injury.

Moses Moody

Another important player for the Warriors who is also sidelined for the remainder of the season.

Oklahoma City Thunder

The team currently leading the Western Conference, who the Warriors could face in the first round of the playoffs if they make it through the play-in tournament.

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What they’re saying

“It was more of a mental thing at first, meaning I didn't know enough about it. I thought I was going to be out a week. Ten days max, let it calm down. Every time I got on the court or tried to push it in that first month, there was always — I wouldn't call it a reaction, it just wasn't healing as fast as you thought.”

— Stephen Curry, Warriors Star

“There is nothing structurally wrong with my knee, so it's not like I'm compromised out there. It is a new normal, though, if that makes sense.”

— Stephen Curry, Warriors Star

What’s next

Curry is expected to play in the Warriors' game against the Houston Rockets on Sunday, April 7, 2026, marking his return from the 27-game absence. The Warriors will then have 4 more regular season games to prepare for the play-in tournament, where they will look to secure a spot in the first round of the playoffs.

The takeaway

Curry's return is a crucial development for the Warriors as they push for the playoffs, but his extended absence with a tricky knee injury highlights the challenges even superstars face in maintaining their health late in their careers. The Warriors will need Curry at full strength if they hope to make a deep postseason run.