Stephen Curry has missed time with the Golden State Warriors since Jan. 30 after going down with patellofemoral pain syndrome, commonly known as runner’s knee. The superstar’s absence has forced Golden State to navigate a critical stretch without its offensive engine. That difficult stretch finally appears to be nearing its end as a concrete target date for his return has been established.
Stephen Curry Targets Return Against the Rockets
Shams Charania of ESPN reported that Curry has set a goal to return for the Warriors on Sunday against the Houston Rockets. The next few days will serve as a vital period for the star guard to receive final medical clearance before stepping back onto the floor. This news provides a massive sigh of relief for a franchise desperately in need of its leader.
Reporting for NBA Today — Stephen Curry has set a goal to return for the Golden State Warriors on Sunday against the Houston Rockets, with the next few days as a vital period to receive clearance: pic.twitter.com/GdDVBIIkDS
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 1, 2026
Curry has repeatedly missed his estimated return timelines since first suffering the knee injury. What was originally hoped to be a short absence stretched on as the training staff exercised extreme caution with the superstar. Golden State fans have held their collective breath with every medical update, fearing another setback in a difficult season.
Fortunately, the guard has cleared a major hurdle by participating in a five-on-five full-contact scrimmage without any issues. This clearance is typically the final benchmark an NBA player must pass before being activated for live game action. It signals that his knee can finally handle the explosive cutting and sudden stops that define his playstyle.
Choosing the Rockets as the comeback opponent adds a fitting layer of competitive drama to Curry’s return. Golden State and Houston have a rich history of intense battles, with Curry repeatedly ending the Rockets’ championship hopes in past playoff matchups. Facing a team he has historically dominated provides him with the perfect environment to regain his rhythm.
The timing could not be more critical for a Warriors squad fighting for its playoff lives in a brutal Western Conference. They have hovered around the play-in tournament territory, lacking the late-game execution and perimeter gravity that only Curry provides. His return changes the geometry of the court, instantly making life easier for every teammate.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr will likely monitor Curry’s minutes closely in his initial games back to ensure the runner’s knee does not flare up again. Even on a limited workload, his mere presence forces opposing defenses to account for him from the moment he crosses half-court. This return is the spark Golden State needs to make a serious push before the regular season concludes.
