The Golden State Warriors have spent the last two months desperately trying to keep their postseason hopes alive in a merciless Western Conference. Without their franchise cornerstone anchoring the offense, the margin for error completely vanished, forcing head coach Steve Kerr to constantly shuffle his rotations just to tread water in the standings.
Now, with the regular season reaching its bitter end and the play-in tournament looming, the cavalry is finally on the way. Golden State’s survival instincts have kept them in the hunt, and they are about to get the ultimate offensive weapon back on the floor just in time for a massive late-season push that could disrupt the entire playoff bracket.
When Is Stephen Curry Coming Back?
“Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry is expected to be cleared to return on Sunday against the Houston Rockets after missing over two months and 27 consecutive games due to a persistent knee injury, sources tell me,” ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Friday.
Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry is expected to be cleared to return on Sunday against the Houston Rockets after missing over two months and 27 consecutive games due to a persistent knee injury, sources tell me and @anthonyVslater. pic.twitter.com/Bvf1L7bFxJ
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 3, 2026
Curry hasn’t logged a single minute of game action since suffering the knee injury against the Detroit Pistons back on Jan. 30. The extended 27-game absence marks one of the longest mid-season layoffs of his legendary career. The Warriors took an extremely cautious approach to his rehabilitation, prioritizing his long-term health over a rushed return.
Recent five-on-five scrimmages signaled he was finally ready for the physical demands of live basketball, clearing the final hurdle in a rigorous recovery process. The final green light arrived after a grueling three-day stretch of full-contact action, during which the knee showed no signs of swelling or setbacks.
The medical staff originally diagnosed patellofemoral pain syndrome and a bone bruise, issues that are notoriously tricky for guards who rely heavily on sudden deceleration and lateral quickness.
Golden State refused to mortgage the future for a few regular-season wins, holding Curry out until the knee’s structural integrity was no longer a primary concern. The timing of his return could not carry more weight for the franchise. The Warriors currently sit squarely in the play-in tournament picture, battling to secure a favorable seeding down the stretch.
The difference between a single-elimination scenario on the road and hosting a game in San Francisco is massive. Curry’s presence on the floor dramatically alters the math for Steve Kerr and how opposing defenses must operate. Offensively, the Warriors have looked entirely different without the two-time MVP orchestrating the attack.
Golden State’s effective field-goal percentage and overall offensive rating have experienced notable drop-offs whenever Curry sits this season. Opposing defenses no longer have to extend their coverage out to the center-court logo. This allows them to pack the paint and disrupt the secondary cutting actions that make the Warriors’ system hum.
With Curry back in the lineup, the Warriors have a much better chance. He will also be paired up with big man Kristaps Porziņģis.
Steve Kerr has already explained that the Latvian arrived with the sole intention of lining him up with the sharpshooter. Now that the pair will be playing together, it gives the Dubs a great boost in the play-in tournament.
