The Injury: What Happened?

In mid-March 2025, Curry suffered an injury during a game against the Toronto Raptors. He was involved in a collision with Raptors players during a defensive play, which resulted in a pelvic contusion. While not as severe as some injuries he’s faced in the past, this contusion has sidelined him for the Warriors’ recent games, including their loss to the Miami Heat on March 25, 2025. In that game, the Warriors struggled without Curry, losing 112-86 to the Heat, with several key contributors stepping up, but it was clear the team missed its leader.

Pelvic contusions are injuries where there is bruising in the pelvic region, and though they are not usually season-ending, they can be quite painful. These injuries often take time to heal, as the pelvic region is essential for many movements in basketball, such as sprinting, jumping, and cutting. For someone like Curry, who relies heavily on lateral movement and quick changes of direction, returning too soon could lead to further complications, which is why the Warriors’ medical staff has been extremely cautious about his recovery.

How Long Will Curry Be Out?

Curry’s return timeline has been a subject of much speculation. Initially, the Warriors had hoped that Curry might be able to return quickly, as reports suggested that his injury, while painful, wasn’t severe enough to sideline him for a long period. However, as Curry began his recovery, it became clear that the injury was more significant than initially expected. The Warriors’ medical team has opted to give Curry the necessary rest and rehabilitation he needs before he steps back onto the court.

Head coach Steve Kerr has been cautiously optimistic about Curry’s return. Kerr recently shared that the team expects Curry to be back in the lineup for the Warriors’ game against the New Orleans Pelicans on March 28, 2025. This would mark just over a week of recovery time since the injury occurred, a relatively quick return for a player of Curry’s stature. However, Kerr emphasized that Curry’s well-being is the team’s top priority, and the decision would ultimately depend on how Curry feels during his rehabilitation process.

“We’re taking it day by day with Steph. The injury isn’t as bad as some of the other ones he’s had in the past, but it’s one we have to be cautious with,” Kerr said. “Steph has been working with our medical staff, and if he’s ready to go, we’ll have him back as soon as possible. But there’s no rush.”

Given the Warriors’ position in the standings and their aspirations for the playoffs, they don’t want to risk further injury by rushing Curry back too soon. While Curry is undoubtedly the engine that drives the Warriors’ offense, they have a strong supporting cast that has been capable of keeping the team competitive in his absence.

Impact of Curry’s Absence

While the Warriors have done well in stretches without Curry, his absence has certainly been felt. In their recent loss to the Heat, the team struggled to keep up, and their offense lacked the fluidity that Curry typically provides. Curry is not only one of the best shooters in the league, but his gravity on the floor creates space for his teammates, often pulling defenders away from other players, opening up opportunities for everyone. Without Curry, the Warriors have had to rely more heavily on other players like Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and the up-and-coming Jimmy Butler III, who has been impressive in his limited minutes.

Jimmy Butler III, the younger brother of NBA star Jimmy Butler, has stepped up as a scoring option for the Warriors. His ability to drive to the basket and knock down mid-range shots has helped alleviate some of the pressure on Golden State’s offense. However, no player can fully replace Curry’s impact. Curry’s ability to score from virtually anywhere on the court, his leadership, and his off-ball movement make him nearly irreplaceable for the Warriors. The team’s success in the coming weeks will depend on how well their supporting cast can handle the absence of their star player.

The Warriors’ Playoff Push

As the NBA regular season nears its conclusion, every game becomes increasingly important for the Warriors. Curry’s absence during the final stretch of the season could have implications on the Warriors’ playoff seeding. Currently, the Warriors are positioned comfortably in the playoff race, but they are still fighting for positioning in a highly competitive Western Conference. The top teams in the West, including the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, and Los Angeles Lakers, are all vying for home-court advantage, and every win counts.

The Warriors’ schedule is packed with challenging opponents over the next couple of weeks. After their game against the Pelicans on March 28, the Warriors will face off against the San Antonio Spurs, Memphis Grizzlies, and the defending champions, the Denver Nuggets, among others. These games are critical for the Warriors, who want to secure the best possible playoff positioning. Without Curry, the Warriors will need to continue to rely on their depth, but they know that a full-strength Curry is essential if they want to make a deep playoff run.

The Importance of the Playoffs

The Warriors have already proven themselves to be a championship-caliber team with Curry at the helm. However, with several other teams in the West improving, the road to the Finals looks more competitive than ever. Curry’s return to full health will be crucial for the Warriors’ playoff success. While the team has had success in the past without Curry in the lineup, this year’s team is different. The Warriors’ roster has undergone changes in recent years, with younger players like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody playing more prominent roles. Curry’s leadership and scoring ability will be essential to helping these younger players in high-pressure playoff situations.

Looking Ahead

As of now, the Warriors and their fans are hopeful that Curry’s recovery will go smoothly, and that he will be ready to return for the Pelicans game. The team is taking a cautious approach to ensure that Curry’s injury does not linger and that he is back to his old self once he steps back on the court. As the Warriors head into the home stretch of the season and gear up for the playoffs, Curry’s presence will be more important than ever.

Curry is one of the most dedicated athletes in the NBA, and he is known for his commitment to maintaining his physical health and conditioning. This injury is just another obstacle in his illustrious career, and if anyone can recover quickly and return to form, it is Curry. However, the Warriors and their fans will have to wait and see how his body responds to the rehabilitation process before they can confidently say that Curry is ready to return.

While Curry’s absence is a significant blow to the Warriors, they have the talent and depth to stay competitive in the West. Still, the team’s ultimate success this season hinges on their star player’s return to full health. As fans and analysts alike keep a close eye on his recovery, one thing is clear: the Warriors are better with Curry, and they will be a much stronger team when he is back on the floor.

In conclusion, while Stephen Curry’s exact return date is still up in the air, the Warriors are optimistic that he will be ready for the final stretch of the season and the playoffs. For now, the team is focused on continuing to perform at a high level, but there is no doubt that Curry’s eventual return will be a pivotal moment in their season. Warriors fans are eagerly awaiting his return, as they know that with Curry on the court, the team’s championship aspirations remain alive.