The Golden State Warriors are heading into a heavyweight showdown against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night-but they’ll have to do it without their biggest weapon. Stephen Curry, sidelined with a leg injury, will miss his second straight game, and that absence looms large as the Warriors prepare to face a red-hot Thunder team that’s sitting at 20-1.
Curry suffered the injury in a collision with a Rockets player earlier this week, and while the team managed to pull out a win against the Pelicans without him, this next test is on a whole different level. Oklahoma City isn’t just winning-they’re dominating. And without Curry’s scoring punch and on-court leadership, Golden State will need to dig deep to keep pace.
During a segment on NBA on NBC, former NBA star Tracy McGrady didn’t hide how much he was looking forward to seeing the Warriors rise to the occasion. “I gotta see these guys come together collectively to see if they really can be a contending team,” McGrady said, clearly intrigued by the challenge ahead.
But the mood shifted instantly when he was told live on air that Curry wouldn’t be suiting up. McGrady’s reaction?
A mix of shock and frustration. “God damn!
Never mind!” he exclaimed, tossing his notes to the floor in disbelief.
That reaction says it all. Curry is the heartbeat of this Warriors squad, and the numbers back it up. Before the injury, he was averaging 27.9 points, 4.0 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game-production that not only fuels Golden State’s offense but also draws defenders and opens up opportunities for everyone else on the floor.
Without him, the Warriors will need a collective effort. That means more responsibility for Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, and a chance for younger players like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody to step into bigger roles. The Thunder, meanwhile, are rolling with confidence, and they won’t be easing up just because Curry isn’t on the floor.
As for Curry’s recovery, there’s still no concrete timeline. ESPN’s Warriors insider Anthony Slater offered a glimpse into the rehab process, noting that while Curry has been active in the weight room-riding the bike, lifting, and staying in shape-he hasn’t returned to on-court activities yet.
“He’s wearing a leg sleeve over that thigh contusion,” Slater said. “He’s kind of obsessive about keeping his body in as good a condition as possible, to get back as quickly as possible.”
That’s classic Curry-always working, always grinding. But for now, Warriors fans will have to wait.
Reports suggest he could be out for at least a week, but nothing’s been confirmed. And until he’s back, Golden State’s path gets a lot tougher.
Tuesday night’s game against the Thunder isn’t just another early-season matchup-it’s a measuring stick. With or without Curry, the Warriors will be tested.
And if they want to prove they’re still a force in the West, it’s going to take more than just star power. It’s going to take grit, chemistry, and a whole lot of belief.