Steph Curry is set to miss another game as he continues to manage soreness in his right knee - a lingering issue that’s become a concern for the Warriors as they try to build momentum in a crowded Western Conference.
Head coach Steve Kerr confirmed that both Curry and Jonathan Kuminga will be sidelined for Tuesday night’s matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers at Chase Center. Curry is still considered day-to-day, while Kuminga continues to recover from a bone bruise in his left knee.
“That’s up to Rick [Celebrini] and Steph,” Kerr said after practice on Monday, referring to the team’s director of sports medicine. “As soon as Rick tells me he can play, obviously he’ll play.
But they’re working together every day. I don’t have an answer for you, though.”
Curry exited Friday’s 131-124 loss to the Detroit Pistons after a collision in the third quarter left him hobbling. With just under five minutes remaining in the period, he banged knees and didn’t return. An MRI the following day revealed patellofemoral pain syndrome - a condition often referred to as “Runner’s Knee,” which causes discomfort around the kneecap, especially during activity.
This isn’t the first time the issue has sidelined Curry recently. He also missed the second leg of a back-to-back against the Timberwolves last week but returned two days later to drop 27 points on the Jazz in Utah. Before leaving Friday’s game, he had already poured in 23 points, showing flashes of his usual offensive rhythm despite the knee trouble.
For the Warriors, Curry’s health is always the central storyline. When he’s on the floor, Golden State’s offense hums in a different gear - his gravity, shot-making, and playmaking still set the standard. But when he’s off it, the margin for error shrinks dramatically, especially with the team still searching for consistency this season.
As for Kuminga, Tuesday will mark his fifth straight missed game since suffering a bone bruise on January 22 against the Mavericks. His absence has been felt on both ends - the athletic forward had been carving out a bigger role before the injury, giving the Warriors much-needed energy and versatility.
With both Curry and Kuminga out, Golden State will again lean on its depth and veteran leadership to keep things afloat. But make no mistake - until Steph is back at full strength, the Warriors are operating without their engine.