Warriors star will miss Tuesday night game in Philadelphia with patellofemoral pain syndrome, diagnosed as “runner’s knee” after Jan. 24 onset
Stephen Curry is out. The Golden State Warriors announced Monday that their star point guard will miss Tuesday night’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers due to a persistent right knee issue that has plagued him for over a week. The team is officially listing the injury as patellofemoral pain syndrome commonly known as “runner’s knee” a condition characterized by swelling and pain around the kneecap that has forced the Warriors to be cautious with their franchise player.
The injury timeline tells the story of how quickly a nagging issue can become problematic. Curry first started experiencing the problem after an individual workout in Minneapolis on January 24th. He initially attempted to play through it, sitting out just one game against the Timberwolves last Monday before returning to action. For nearly a week, he tried to manage the discomfort and continue his normal performance level.
That strategy changed Friday night. During Golden State’s 131-124 loss to the Detroit Pistons, Curry’s knee forced him out of the game. Late in the third quarter, following a made floater, he began grimacing noticeably. By the next timeout, the discomfort had become too much. He limped to the locker room, was quickly ruled out, and spent the postgame period icing his knee before limping out of the arena entirely.
“Super weird,” Curry called the problem during postgame comments. “Something that I hadn’t felt before.”
That characterization from one of the league’s greatest shooters is noteworthy. Curry has played through countless injuries throughout his career. He’s dealt with ankle injuries, back issues, and various other ailments that come with being a professional basketball player. The fact that he’s describing this knee issue as something unprecedented something “super weird” and unfamiliar suggests it’s causing genuine concern.
The Warriors are listing him as day-to-day, which technically allows for the possibility of a quick return. However, Warriors coach Steve Kerr has made clear that Curry’s return timeline and management for the rest of the season will be determined by Curry himself in consultation with Rick Celebrini, the team’s lead medical decision-maker. That’s a significant statement. Rather than Kerr or the front office making timeline decisions, the organization is deferring to Curry and their medical staff.
When A Star Player’s Body Becomes The Story
Curry’s absence against Philadelphia marks an important moment for the Warriors. The 76ers are among the NBA’s elite teams, and missing your best player in a game of that magnitude can significantly impact your competitive standing. But more broadly, Curry’s injury highlights the delicate balance professional teams must strike between pushing star players and protecting them from long-term damage.
Patellofemoral pain syndrome isn’t typically a devastating injury. It’s not a torn ACL or a serious structural damage. It’s swelling and pain around the kneecap. But it’s also the kind of issue that can linger, worsen, or become chronic if not properly managed. The fact that Curry tried to play through it for nearly a week before being forced out suggests the pain escalated beyond a manageable level.
The Warriors’ decision to sideline him, rather than allowing him to continue attempting to tough it out, represents a calculated approach to injury management. In a regular season where the Warriors are fighting for playoff positioning, taking Curry out of even one game is a significant concession. The fact that they’re doing so suggests the medical staff believes rest and recovery are preferable to risking further aggravation.
Curry’s role in determining his return timeline is also telling. The Warriors aren’t imposing a one-week absence or a specific schedule. They’re allowing Curry to work with the medical staff to determine when he’s genuinely ready to return without risk of re-aggravation. That approach respects both his body’s signals and his competitive desire.
The Broader Warriors Injury Situation
Curry’s absence isn’t the only injury concern for Golden State. The Warriors will also be without wing Jonathan Kuminga on Tuesday night for a fifth consecutive game due to a bone bruise in his left knee. Kuminga was back on the court over the weekend and appears on the verge of returning, but his availability remains day-to-day.
The timing of these injuries adds another layer of complexity. The NBA trade deadline is Thursday afternoon hours before the Warriors’ next game in Phoenix. Kuminga, as a trade candidate, creates additional uncertainty. If he’s traded before returning to action, the Warriors’ injury situation becomes even more complicated.
For now, the focus is on Curry. Missing one game against Philadelphia is manageable. But if the knee issue requires extended time away from the court, the Warriors’ playoff positioning could be significantly impacted.
