Warriors Debate Shutting Down Curry for Season

Concerns grow over repeated setbacks in Curry's recovery from knee injury

Mar. 27, 2026 at 12:04am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Golden State Warriors are facing a dilemma over whether to shut down star player Stephen Curry for the rest of the season as he continues to deal with setbacks in recovering from a knee injury. The team is struggling to make the playoffs, and there are questions about the value of Curry returning at this point with the risk of further injury.

Why it matters

Curry's health is crucial to the Warriors' chances of making a deep playoff run, so the team must carefully weigh the risks and benefits of bringing him back before he is fully recovered. This decision could have major implications for the franchise's future.

The details

Curry has been sidelined for several weeks with a patellofemoral pain syndrome and bone bruising in his right knee. The team has provided multiple timelines for his return, only for him to suffer setbacks in his recovery. With the Warriors struggling to stay in playoff position, there is debate over whether it's worth the risk of Curry returning before he is fully healthy.

  • Curry initially suffered the knee injury in early March 2026.
  • The Warriors had expected Curry to return within 1-2 weeks, but he has missed several more weeks due to setbacks.
  • The Warriors are currently the 10th seed in the Western Conference, 1.5 games behind the 9th-place Portland Blazers.

The players

Stephen Curry

Star point guard for the Golden State Warriors who is currently sidelined with a knee injury.

Steve Kerr

Head coach of the Golden State Warriors, who has said that Curry will play if he is healthy enough to do so.

Draymond Green

Veteran forward for the Golden State Warriors who has urged Curry to play it safe with his recovery.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“What are we really doing here if you're the Warriors? What is the point of having Steph Curry come back when you're the 10 seed in the West? You're going to have to win two tough play-in games to draw a match up with the Thunder, who you are not going to beat at this point.”

— Brett Siegel, Clutch Points Writer

“Bottom line, if Steph is healthy, he's going to play because that's what we're here for. The chance to get into the playoffs is a big deal for us, big deal for Steph.”

— Steve Kerr, Head Coach, Golden State Warriors

What’s next

The Warriors will host the Washington Wizards on Friday, and the team will reevaluate Curry's status after that game to determine if he is ready to return.

The takeaway

The Warriors face a difficult decision in balancing Curry's long-term health with the team's immediate playoff aspirations. Rushing him back too soon could risk further injury, but keeping him sidelined may hurt the team's chances of making the postseason. This is a high-stakes decision that could have major implications for the franchise's future.