The Golden State Warriors will be without their biggest star once again tonight, as Stephen Curry has officially been ruled out for the matchup against the San Antonio Spurs. Head coach Steve Kerr confirmed that Curry is still dealing with “runner’s knee,” or patellofemoral pain syndrome, and won’t be suiting up-not just tonight, but through the All-Star break at minimum.
This marks the fifth straight game Curry will miss, and it’s a blow not just for the Warriors, but for fans hoping to see him light it up during All-Star Weekend. The 37-year-old has already missed 15 games this season due to various injuries, and Golden State has struggled in his absence, going 5-9 in the first 14 games without him. With the team still trying to find its rhythm in a tight Western Conference race, every game counts-and every game without Curry feels like a hill to climb.
Curry initially exited during a Jan. 30 loss to the Detroit Pistons after feeling discomfort in his right knee. An MRI showed no structural damage, but the team is taking a cautious approach.
Kerr described the situation as "day-to-day," but made it clear that the priority is Curry’s long-term health. The target return date?
February 19, when the Warriors face the Boston Celtics in their first game after the break.
In the meantime, Curry’s absence will be felt in more ways than one. The NBA announced that Brandon Ingram of the Toronto Raptors will replace him in the 2026 All-Star Game.
It’s Ingram’s second career selection, and it comes under the league’s newly minted USA vs. World format, where Curry had been voted in as a starter.
Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is also out with an abdominal strain, reshaping what was supposed to be a star-studded showcase in Los Angeles.
For the Warriors, the math is simple: survive without their engine, and hope he returns refreshed and ready to lead a playoff push. But that’s easier said than done. San Antonio may be a young team, but they’ve been surging lately, and Golden State’s margin for error without Curry is razor-thin.
The next two games will test the Warriors' depth, resilience, and ability to generate offense without their floor general. And while the long-term view is focused on getting Curry back to full strength, the short-term challenge is clear: find a way to win without him-or risk falling further behind in a crowded Western Conference playoff picture.