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Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, who is injured, reacts on the bench with coach Steve Kerr.

The Golden State Warriors are preparing for the possibility of finishing the pre–All-Star break schedule without Stephen Curry, a development that has already reshaped their short-term outlook.

Golden State has dropped three of its last four games since Curry sustained a knee injury, and coach Steve Kerr acknowledged there is a “good chance” the two-time MVP will not return until after the break.

“I think he’s doubtful,” Kerr said, via NBC Sports Bay Area, before the Warriors’ 105–99 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday. “Obviously won’t play tonight. I would say doubtful for the next one, but we’ll see. There’s a good chance that he doesn’t play until after the break. We’re going to take it day by day.”

The Warriors are scheduled to host the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday and the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday before the league pauses for the All-Star festivities.

Curry’s Injury Comes at Critical Point for Warriors

The timing of Curry’s absence has complicated matters for a Warriors team still fighting for position in a crowded Western Conference.

Golden State currently sits four games outside the top six and just three games clear of the 10th seed, leaving little margin for error as the season enters its final third.

Without Curry’s offensive gravity and late-game shot creation, the Warriors have struggled to consistently close games, underscoring how dependent their system remains on his presence even as he approaches his late 30s.

Understanding Stephen Curry’s Runner’s Knee Diagnosis

GettyOn Jan. 30, Steph Curry was seen wearing protective knee pads on his right knee and patches on his left knee.

Curry is dealing with patellofemoral pain syndrome, commonly referred to as runner’s knee — an overuse condition distinct from the bilateral knee tendinitis he managed earlier last season.

Orthopedic specialists describe runner’s knee as presenting with a dull ache at the front of the knee, pain during jumping or landing, discomfort when walking downstairs, and stiffness after prolonged sitting. The condition is often linked to repetitive stress, muscle imbalances, or improper kneecap tracking.

After the Warriors’ gritty 101–97 comeback win in Phoenix on Thursday, Curry told Anthony Slater of ESPN that his recovery is trending positively.

“It’s different than last year, but something that will heal,” Curry told Slater.

Still, Curry acknowledged the delicate balance required.

“If I come back too early, it could flare up,” he said. “It’s something we still have to monitor and injury-manage.”

Curry’s Style of Play Complicates Recovery Timeline

Curry’s game places a unique strain on his lower body. While widely regarded as the greatest shooter in NBA history, he is far from a stationary threat. His value is rooted in constant relocation, off-ball movement, cutting, and sharp changes of direction — actions that place sustained stress on the knees.

That cumulative load has factored heavily into the Golden State’s cautious approach, particularly with inflammation still present.

The injury worsened midway through the third quarter of last week’s 131–124 loss to the Detroit Pistons. Curry grimaced after driving to the basket, favored his right leg, and exited shortly thereafter. He was later seen icing his knee and limping as he left the arena.

Discomfort Had Been Building for Weeks

The setback did not come out of nowhere.

Curry first appeared on the injury report six days earlier after experiencing swelling and soreness following an individual workout in Minneapolis. At the time, the Warriors listed the issue as patellofemoral inflammation.

He was questionable against the Minnesota Timberwolves, played through the injury in a win, then sat out the Jan. 26 rematch. Curry returned Jan. 28 in Utah and again Jan. 30 against Detroit before aggravating the condition.

Warriors Taking Conservative Approach With Curry Nearing 38

Treatment for runner’s knee is typically conservative, emphasizing rest, load management, targeted strengthening, and supportive measures such as taping or bracing. Specialists warn that playing through persistent inflammation can increase the risk of chronic pain, cartilage damage, or long-term joint degeneration.

“It’s a matter of learning as I go what works rehab-wise,” Curry said. “Because it’s still painful. You have to try to get rid of all the inflammation and pain.”

Kerr’s comments suggest the Warriors are erring firmly on the side of caution — a notable shift as Curry approaches his 38th birthday next month.

With playoff positioning still in flux, Golden State is weighing short-term results against long-term health. And as the All-Star break approaches, the organization appears willing to absorb immediate losses to ensure its franchise cornerstone returns at full strength for the stretch run.

Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo