When the Golden State Warriors lost Jimmy Butler to a season-ending injury earlier this year, the franchise still believed it had enough star power to compete because Stephen Curry remained the stabilizing force capable of carrying them through turbulent stretches.

That sense of stability quickly evaporated in recent weeks as Curry joined the injured list, leaving a Warriors team already stretched thin with a tremendous leadership and playmaking void that cannot be replicated by anyone else on the roster.

The Warriors will face the Denver Nuggets on Sunday in a nationally televised matchup that was originally expected to showcase one of the league’s most iconic superstars on a major stage.

Instead, the broadcast will highlight Golden State fighting to stay afloat without Curry, forcing fans and analysts alike to confront the reality that the team’s margin for error has shrunk dramatically at a crucial moment in the playoff race.

Curry’s absence is especially disappointing for supporters across the world who have followed his career for more than a decade, celebrating his evolution from exciting young sharpshooter into one of the most influential players in modern basketball history.

For those fans, every missed game feels like a missed opportunity to witness greatness, and all they can hope for now is that Curry returns sooner rather than later as the team battles through a critical stretch of the season.

Why Stephen Curry Isn’t Playing Against the Nuggets

Curry is sidelined due to an ongoing right-knee issue diagnosed as patellofemoral pain syndrome, a condition commonly referred to as “runner’s knee,” which affects movement patterns, joint stability, and overall comfort during high-impact activities like cutting, sprinting, and shooting on the move.

This injury forced him to miss the Warriors’ final five games before the All-Star break, raising initial concerns that his recovery might require additional time depending on how his knee responded to rest, treatment, and gradual re-conditioning.

Upon returning to the team after the break, Curry underwent an MRI to evaluate the inflammation and structural integrity in the joint, giving the Warriors medical staff crucial information needed to determine his short-term and long-term availability.

Golden State later confirmed on Thursday, February 19, that Curry would be re-evaluated in ten days, establishing a timeline that suggests the team remains cautious about preventing setbacks or chronic complications as they push toward the final portion of the regular season.

Even though the Warriors remain hopeful for a relatively quick recovery, the day-to-day unpredictability of patellofemoral conditions means the team must avoid rushing their star guard back into high-intensity competition before he is genuinely ready.

When Will Stephen Curry Return?

Curry’s return date remains undetermined, and the team has avoided giving a specific target window, suggesting they want to closely monitor his response to treatment before committing to a projected comeback.

During an interview with NBC Sports Bay Area on Friday, Curry acknowledged the frustration of the situation, explaining that the recovery “is not going the way that I wanted it to” but emphasized confidence that he is still “moving in the right direction” toward a full return to the lineup.

His comments reflect both the physical and emotional challenges of navigating a lingering injury, especially for a superstar accustomed to being on the court and playing through discomfort when the team needs him most.

For Golden State, the priority is ensuring Curry returns at a level where he can sustain heavy minutes without pain, particularly because the team’s playoff chances depend heavily on his presence, shot-making, and ability to bend defenses with his gravity.

The franchise understands that bringing him back too soon could jeopardize not only the current stretch of games but also the remainder of the season, which makes patience and comprehensive monitoring essential components of their medical strategy.

Impact on the Warriors Without Curry

Golden State’s 121-110 loss to the Boston Celtics on Thursday illustrated how dramatically different the team looks without its superstar orchestrator, particularly in half-court offense where Curry’s movement normally dictates the flow of possessions.

Without him, the Warriors often struggle to generate consistent spacing, allowing opposing defenses to clog driving lanes, pressure their secondary scorers, and neutralize the off-ball actions that traditionally define Steve Kerr’s system.

Curry’s absence also forces other players into roles that stretch beyond their natural comfort zones, requiring them to create shots rather than relying on Curry’s movement to manipulate defenders and open passing windows.

As the Warriors enter Sunday’s game sitting eighth in the Western Conference, every contest carries increased importance because the middle of the standings remains tightly packed, and a short losing streak could disrupt their postseason aspirations entirely.

With Denver presenting one of the most structured and efficient offenses in the league, Golden State must find alternative ways to compete and manufacture scoring bursts while missing the player most responsible for maintaining their offensive identity.

Even more concerning is the growing pressure placed on Golden State’s remaining veterans to keep the team competitive, particularly as they await updates on Curry’s knee and hope his recovery accelerates in the coming days.

What Comes Next for Golden State

Golden State’s coaching staff will likely explore lineup changes, rotational adjustments, and increased responsibilities for their secondary playmakers as they attempt to maintain momentum without Curry guiding the offense.

The Warriors must also rely heavily on their defense to create transition opportunities, knowing that their half-court efficiency can drop significantly without Curry’s perimeter shooting threat and off-ball movement generating open looks for teammates.

As the team navigates this difficult stretch, fans and analysts will continue following Curry’s progress closely, understanding that his return represents the single most important factor determining whether Golden State can stabilize its season and push upward in the standings.

Until then, the Warriors must confront their most challenging test of the year: proving they can survive without the player who defines their identity, elevates their ceiling, and transforms them into a legitimate threat every time he steps onto the court.