Stephen Curry Injury Update: Warriors Star’s Patellofemoral Syndrome Could Linger Into 2026

By Sai Mohan | February 10, 2026

Stephen Curry, the two-time NBA MVP, may not have looked too injured as he watched his teammates pull off an improbable 17-point comeback to beat the Memphis Grizzlies 114-113 on Monday night, but the game marked the fourth consecutive contest Curry has missed due to a lingering knee injury. The injury, which has been bothering him since a pair of games against the Minnesota Timberwolves last month, continues to raise concerns for the Golden State Warriors.

The Warriors have already ruled Curry out for Wednesday’s showdown against the San Antonio Spurs, the final game before the All-Star break, and for the All-Star Game itself. The franchise is hopeful Curry will return later this month, but it remains unclear when exactly he will be fully cleared.

Curry’s Injury: Patellofemoral Syndrome and Its Impact

Curry’s knee issue is believed to be patellofemoral syndrome, a condition that affects the cartilage under the kneecap. Dr. Nirav Pandya, a renowned sports doctor who works with several NBA teams, offered a grim update on Curry’s injury, suggesting that the injury may persist through the remainder of the season.

In a post on X, Dr. Pandya explained: “Rest is a key component of recovery along with focused rehab on the surrounding structures around the knee joint. Rest is also important for older athletes dealing with patellofemoral syndrome.” His comments point to a longer recovery timeline for Curry, who will need to manage the inflammation and pain as he works to regain full fitness.

While Curry has been ruled out for the All-Star Game, the hope is that he will be ready for the February 19 matchup against the Boston Celtics, which will be the first game after the All-Star break. However, the fact that Curry has missed multiple games already and is experiencing pain suggests that the road to full recovery could take longer than expected.

Curry’s Cautious Approach to Recovery

Despite the frustration of sitting out, Curry remains patient and cautious in his approach to recovery. Speaking to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, Curry emphasized that he isn’t rushing his return to action, knowing the potential risk of reinjury if he comes back too early.

“It’s a matter of learning as I go what works rehab-wise,” Curry said. “It’s still painful. You have to try to get rid of all the inflammation and pain. It’s something we still have to monitor and injury-manage, but if I come back too early, it could flare up.”

Curry’s injury first became noticeable during the back-to-back games against the Timberwolves in January, when he noticed something unusual during practice. After leading the Warriors to a 111-85 victory in the first game, Curry mentioned that he felt something “flare up” in his knee, which ultimately led to him sitting out the second night of the back-to-back. Since then, Curry has played in only two games, with limited minutes in both outings, indicating that the Warriors have been very cautious with their star point guard.

Warriors’ Success Without Curry

While the injury has sidelined Curry, the Warriors have shown resilience, managing to win two out of their last three games, including the comeback victory over the Grizzlies. Clay Holmes and the rest of the team have been stepping up in Curry’s absence, with strong performances from players like Draymond Green and Moses Moody. The team’s ability to rally and perform without their leader is a positive sign, showing that they can stay competitive in the tough Western Conference.

With Jimmy Butler also sidelined for the Warriors, the team has had to adapt, but the emergence of players like Gui Santos and the solid play from the rest of the supporting cast has kept them afloat.

The Road Ahead: Will Curry Be Ready for the Playoff Push?

The Warriors’ chances of competing for a title in 2026 heavily depend on the health of Stephen Curry. With his return still uncertain, the team faces a delicate balancing act between keeping Curry healthy for the playoffs while also maintaining momentum without him.

If Curry can recover in time and return to full fitness, the Warriors will have a formidable lineup. However, if the injury persists throughout the season, the team may have to rely on their supporting cast and hope that Curry’s absence doesn’t become a hindrance to their championship aspirations.

As the All-Star break approaches, all eyes will be on Curry’s recovery and whether he can regain his form in time for the second half of the season. With his leadership and ability to elevate the Warriors’ offense, his return could be the key to their playoff success.