Stephen Curry’s Injury Raises Big Questions for Warriors’ Playoff Hopes

Stephen Curry is likely sidelined for at least a week following a quad contusion he picked up during the Warriors’ tough loss to the Rockets in the NBA Cup last Wednesday. The news, relayed by ESPN insiders Shams Charania and Anthony Slater, brings a mix of relief and concern—while it’s not as severe as an ankle or knee injury, Golden State will feel his absence keenly. Curry’s recovery timeline hinges on how the swelling and pain cooperate with treatment, and with just two home games left before a road trip kicks off in Philly next Thursday, the Warriors face some challenging days ahead. Seeing him hobble off in the final moments of that 104-100 defeat was tough; his stat line—14 points, 6 boards, and 5 assists—showed effort, but the pain was palpable. Coach Steve Kerr acknowledged the setback, emphasizing how losing Steph shifts their entire game plan. With the squad sitting at 10-10 and stumbling at 1-3 in NBA Cup play, the pressure’s on. Who knows how long this dance with injury might last? We’ll see how the star reacts, but one thing’s certain—the Warriors’ rotation will need to adjust, fast. LEARN MORE

The Golden State Warriors expect to be without Stephen Curry for “a week or a little more” after suffering a quad contusion during Wednesday night’s NBA Cup defeat to the Houston Rockets, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania and Anthony Slater.

It’s believed that Curry avoided a serious injury and his timetable for a return to the court will depend on how the quad responds to treatment. The Warriors have two games left on their homestand before heading on the road next Thursday beginning in Philadelphia.

Curry limped to the Warriors’ locker room with 35 seconds remaining in Golden State’s 104-100 loss. He played 32:45 and finished with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists.

“When I heard it was a quad, I was actually relieved,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said afterward, via NBC Sports Bay Area. “Better than an ankle or a knee.”

Late in the fourth quarter, as Rockets center Alperen Şengün set a screen on Curry, his left knee hit Curry’s right quad. The two-time NBA MVP remained in the game, but showed signs that he was bothered by something.

Curry then took a charge from Amen Thompson — later reversed to a blocking foul on Curry — and two possessions later was called for a charge as he drove to the basket for a layup. Following that play, he was clearly in obvious pain.

As the Warriors huddled during a timeout with 35.2 seconds to play, Curry spoke with Rick Celebrini, the team’s Director Of Sports Medicine And Performance, and the two headed for the locker room together.

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The Warriors are now 10-10 on the season and 1-3 in NBA Cup group play. Curry has missed four games this season with the Warriors posting a 1-3 record without their star guard.

“If Steph has to miss [time]?” Kerr said. “It obviously changes everything — our rotations, how we’re playing, who we are playing through. We’ll see.”